What are the causes of palpitations?
Jun 30, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, palpitations may be caused by emotional tension and anxiety, strenuous exercise, anemia, hyperthyroidism, arrhythmia, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. It is also important to maintain emotional stability, learn to regulate emotions, and avoid prolonged states of tension and anxiety. Additionally, maintain a balanced diet and reduce the consumption of stimulant beverages.
Generally, palpitations may be caused by emotional tension and anxiety, strenuous exercise, anemia, hyperthyroidism, arrhythmia, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Emotional Tension and Anxiety
When experiencing emotional tension or anxiety, the sympathetic nervous system within the autonomic nervous system becomes more active, possibly leading to an increased heart rate and stronger myocardial contractions, thus causing palpitations. It is recommended to learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, maintain a calm mindset, and avoid prolonged exposure to high-pressure environments.
2. Strenuous Exercise
During intense physical activity, the heart must beat faster to meet the oxygen and nutrient demands of the muscles, which may lead to palpitations. Warm up properly before exercising and avoid sudden high-intensity workouts; stay adequately hydrated and maintain energy during exercise; rest appropriately afterward to allow the body to recover gradually.
3. Anemia
Anemia occurs when red blood cell production decreases, excessive destruction occurs, or blood loss leads to a reduction in the number or quality of red blood cells. To meet the body's oxygen demands, the heart rate increases to enhance blood output, potentially causing palpitations. Symptoms may also include fatigue and dizziness. Treatment may include medications such as compound Ejiao syrup, vitamin C tablets, and folic acid tablets under a doctor's guidance.
4. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism often results from autoimmune abnormalities, thyroid disease, pituitary disorders, or excessive iodine intake, leading to overproduction of thyroid hormones. This causes increased metabolism and sympathetic nervous system stimulation, resulting in a faster heart rate and stronger myocardial contractions, which may trigger palpitations. Additional symptoms may include increased appetite and weight loss. Under medical guidance, medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and traditional Chinese medicine like JiaKang Ling tablets may be used to alleviate symptoms.
5. Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is typically caused by drug effects, unhealthy lifestyle habits, or psychological factors that lead to abnormal cardiac electrical conduction systems or altered myocardial cell function, potentially directly affecting heartbeats and causing palpitations. Symptoms may also include chest tightness and shortness of breath. Patients may use medications such as amiodarone hydrochloride tablets, propafenone hydrochloride tablets, and metoprolol tartrate tablets under a doctor's recommendation for treatment.
In daily life, maintaining emotional stability and learning emotional regulation are important to avoid long-term tension and anxiety. At the same time, maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of stimulatory beverages, and consume more foods rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, which are essential for blood formation.
