What causes palpitations and heavy breathing, and what should be done about it?
May 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
In general, palpitations accompanied by heavy breathing may be caused by intense exercise, hypoglycemia, bronchial asthma, myocarditis, hypertension, or other reasons, and can be improved through general management or medication. During physical activity, increased heart rate and symptoms such as heavy breathing or wheezing commonly occur; if no other symptoms are present, this is considered a normal physiological response and typically resolves after rest.
Generally, palpitations accompanied by heavy breathing may be caused by intense exercise, hypoglycemia, bronchial asthma, myocarditis, hypertension, or other reasons. These symptoms can be improved through general management, medication, and other methods. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Intense Exercise
During physical activity, heart rate often increases, leading to symptoms such as heavy breathing and panting. If no other symptoms are present, this is considered a normal physiological response. Symptoms typically subside after rest.
2. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia refers to abnormally low blood glucose levels. When blood sugar drops below normal levels, the brain may experience insufficient oxygen or energy supply, potentially causing palpitations and a sense of urgency. Patients can alleviate discomfort by consuming sugary foods such as fruits or candies.
3. Bronchial Asthma
Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. When airway inflammation worsens or airway constriction causes narrowing, breathing becomes difficult and oxygen supply is reduced, leading to a sensation of hypoxia. This hypoxia can increase heart rate, and the body tends to take deeper breaths to meet oxygen demands, resulting in heavy breathing. Patients can use medications such as compound aminophylline tablets or dihydroxypropyltheophylline tablets under medical guidance.
4. Myocarditis
Myocarditis can damage myocardial cells, impairing blood and oxygen supply to the heart, thus causing symptoms such as palpitations and rapid heartbeat. Patients may take hydrochlorothiazide tablets or spironolactone tablets under medical supervision to relieve symptoms.
5. Hypertension
Hypertension may lead to arteriosclerosis and vascular narrowing, reducing blood supply to the heart and resulting in myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, which can cause symptoms like shortness of breath and tachycardia. Patients can use medications such as enalapril maleate tablets or nimodipine tablets under medical guidance.
In addition to the above causes, palpitations and heavy breathing could also result from conditions such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease or acute myocardial infarction. It is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, and if any physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation is necessary.
