What is palpitation?
Disease description:
After go-karting, my son always complains of discomfort in his chest and a rapid heartbeat. After consulting a doctor, she explained that this phenomenon is “palpitations” triggered by excitement. However, he is only 11 years old, and I would like to know: What could cause sudden palpitations due to being easily excited?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ding Yu
The primary reason for tachycardia and palpitations during excitement is activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which—when excessively stimulated—triggers the release of catecholamines from nerve terminals, thereby accelerating heart rate and inducing palpitations. In patients with underlying conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, or chronic pulmonary disease, palpitations are often more severe and may be accompanied by chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. Patients are advised to seek immediate medical evaluation and treatment. Management should focus on aggressive treatment of the underlying condition, supplemented by symptomatic therapy. In the absence of contraindications, beta-blockers such as metoprolol, bisoprolol, or atenolol may be used.
