Why do I often feel palpitations and a rapid heartbeat when working night shifts, and what should I do about it?

Jun 04, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Feeling palpitations and rapid heartbeat during night shifts may be caused by factors such as sleep deprivation, hypertension, or cardiomyopathy, and can be improved through general treatments or medication. It could also result from conditions like atherosclerosis, congenital heart disease, or heart failure. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to diet can help alleviate symptoms of these conditions.

Palpitations and rapid heartbeat during night shifts may be caused by factors such as sleep deprivation, hypertension, or cardiomyopathy, and symptoms can be improved through general treatments or medications. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Sleep Deprivation

Frequent night shifts may lead to insufficient sleep. Sleep deprivation can leave the body in a state of fatigue, increasing the burden on the heart and causing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and chest tightness. It is important to rest adequately, maintain sufficient sleep, and avoid excessive fatigue.

2. Hypertension

Hypertension can overload the heart. To maintain blood circulation, the heart may develop myocardial hypertrophy or enlargement, eventually leading to cardiac dysfunction and symptoms such as shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. Patients may take medications such as enalapril maleate tablets or metoprolol tartrate tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

3. Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy refers to organic diseases of the heart muscle that impair cardiac function or disrupt myocardial contraction. Due to reduced cardiac function and poor blood circulation, symptoms such as palpitations and rapid heartbeat may occur. Patients may be prescribed medications such as metoprolol succinate sustained-release tablets or bisoprolol fumarate tablets under a doctor's supervision.

Besides the above causes, conditions such as atherosclerosis, congenital heart disease, or heart failure may also contribute. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to diet can play a positive role in improving symptoms.


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