What does palpitation mean?
Nov 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
In general, palpitations refer to a condition in which patients feel a sudden, forceful heartbeat accompanied by anxiety or a sense of loss of control, often associated with abnormal or uncomfortable heartbeats. Palpitations may be related to intense physical activity, mental stress, improper diet, anemia, hyperthyroidism, and other factors. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, exercise moderately, and ensure sufficient sleep.
Palpitations generally refer to a condition in which patients feel their heart pounding intensely, accompanied by feelings of anxiety or loss of control, often with abnormal or uncomfortable heartbeats. Palpitations may be related to intense physical activity, mental stress, improper diet, anemia, hyperthyroidism, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Intense Physical Activity
Engaging in prolonged strenuous exercise may overload the heart, leading to palpitations. It is advisable to choose appropriate forms of exercise based on individual fitness levels and avoid prolonged intense physical activity.
2. Mental Stress
Long-term mental stress may cause autonomic nervous system dysfunction, resulting in palpitations. Emotional regulation through listening to music, shopping, meditation, or similar activities is recommended to maintain a positive mood.
3. Improper Diet
Excessive intake of stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol may increase the burden on the heart and trigger palpitations. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and reduce consumption of stimulants like coffee and alcohol.
4. Anemia
Long-term picky eating or excessive dieting may lead to insufficient iron intake, causing anemia. A reduced number of red blood cells in the blood can result in hypoxia, prompting the heart to beat faster to compensate for oxygen deficiency, thereby causing the aforementioned symptoms. This may be accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, and pallor. Treatment may include medications such as compound donkey-hide gelatin syrup, vitamin C tablets, and folic acid tablets, as directed by a physician.
5. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is primarily caused by excessive iodine intake or abnormal thyroid hormone secretion. Excess thyroid hormones may overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and leading to palpitations. Symptoms often include excessive sweating and weight loss. Medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and levothyroxine sodium tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, sufficient sleep, and avoiding late nights and overexertion—can help support overall health.
