The pattern of heart beat indicates the heart health. The normal heart beats in a healthy adult are 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). It may also be in the range of 55-85 bpm. Athletes may have lesser heart beats – 40-60 bpm. 

Due to intense training, the heart muscles of athletes get strengthened, thereby improving its pumping capacity. A larger volume of blood is pumped in a single beat, and therefore with lesser heart beats, blood is delivered to the whole body. 

Any noticeable rise or fall in the bpm suggests certain heart problems that may be mild or severe. Abnormal bpm is termed an arrhythmia. If the BPM is above normal, it is called tachycardia, and if the BPM is below normal, it is called bradycardia. 

Arrhythmias can be in any of the following forms: 

• Missing a beat 
• Having an extra beat 
• Fluttering 
• Flip flopping 

Anxiety, fear or panic impacts BPM. Other factors that trigger the disturbance in heartbeats are: Intense exercise, Pregnancy, Caffeine, Overactive thyroid, low levels of sugar, potassium or oxygen, Fever, Anaemia, Dehydration, Blood loss, Medications, recreational drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines, and Alcohol. 

Palpitations—racing, pounding or fluttering of the heart—are at best warning signals and therefore demand immediate attention. Delay might lead to complications such as stroke, heart failure or cardiac arrest. 

If palpitations result from: 

• Chest pain or pressure 
• Fainting sensation or actual fainting (syncope) 
• Trouble breathing 
• Unusual sweating 
• Dizziness 
• Family history 

Speedy medical attention must be sought.

KG Hospital, Coimbatore

SUSTAINED PALPITATIONS MAY INDICATE SERIOUS CONDITIONS

Early evaluation and timely treatment can PREVENT SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS AND SAVE LIVES

• VENTRICULAR TACHYTARDIA: Rapid heartbeats in the lower chambers of the heart that can be life-threatening. 
• A-FIB (ATRIAL FIBRILLATION): Irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. 
• STRUCTURAL DEFICITS: Underlying heart structure problems such as cardiomyopathy or valvular disease. 
• ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE: Abnormal levels of electrolytes (such as potassium, sodium, or magnesium) can disrupt normal heart rhythm. 

Palpitations will be harmless if induced by anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, dehydration, excessive usage of caffeine or nicotine, and premature ventricular contractions. 

If the palpitations are caused by stress, caffeine or alcohol these could be managed by lifestyle modifications or medications or by both. 

Palpitations need immediate medical attention when felt even at rest, fatigue after routine exercise, underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and existing heart disease. 

So, the bottom line is that occasional or brief palpitations will be harmless; but persistent palpitations require immediate medical attention. 

Sustained palpitations should not be ignored because they proclaim life-threatening health conditions such as: 

• Ventricular tachycardia: Rapid heartbeats in the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. 
• A-Fib (Atrial fibrillation): Possibilities of blood clots and subsequent stroke. 
• Structural deficits: Cardiomyopathy or valvular disease. 
• Electrolyte imbalance

KG Hospital experts are of the strong view that palpitations can be the symptoms of a silent heart attack which will turn fatal if goes untreated. 

KG Hospital advocates that keeping the cholesterol level, blood sugar level, and heart beats below 100-mark is a safe bet for healthy living. The tertiary care multi-specialty KG Hospital has all the expertise and equipment to treat minor to major, simple to complicated, routine to life-threatening heart conditions in astoundingly efficient manner. 

It correctly diagnoses all the contributing factors as well as the existing health issues and offers comprehensive healthcare. KG Hospital experts are known for putting their heart and soul in the treatment of all health issues of all patients. 

The experts in all the specialities work in full coordination with one another, and take collective decision on how best a patient can be cured of the ailments, illness and surgeries. 

Important components of the health care delivery system in KG Hospital are receiving the patients with concern, compassion and smile, reassuring them of recovery, checking all the physical parameters carefully, diligently initiating the right treatment in right time, and ensuring the best outcomes. 

In fact, the bonding the patients develop with KG Hospital is a life-long one. This happens because the patients are immensely satisfied with the kind of treatment they get while in hospital, the well structured review procedures and good follow-up measures. 

Patients who have overcome the life-threatening health conditions under the careful monitoring of experts and supporting staff usually come back to the hospital just to express their gratitude. Patients’ gratefulness is indeed the strong foundation as well as the driving force of this over five decades standing of KG Hospital healthcare services. 

Accessibility, affordability, affability, and assurance are the hallmark of KG Hospital which is known for updating its expertise and equipment almost in real time with international standards and trends. 

KG Hospital is giving back to society more than what it has received, in terms of making healthy citizens. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are heart palpitations always dangerous? No. Occasional palpitations caused by stress, caffeine, anxiety, or lack of sleep are usually harmless. However, persistent or severe palpitations should be evaluated by a doctor. 
2. When should I see a doctor for palpitations? Seek medical attention if palpitations are frequent or accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, fainting, breathing difficulty, or unusual sweating. 
3. Can dehydration cause heart palpitations? Yes. Dehydration can disturb electrolyte balance and increase the likelihood of irregular heartbeats. 
4. Can anxiety trigger palpitations? Yes. Anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional stress can temporarily increase heart rate and cause fluttering sensations. 
5. What tests are done for palpitations? Doctors may recommend ECG, echocardiogram, Holter monitoring, stress tests, blood investigations, or cardiac imaging based on symptoms. Ep study (electrophysiology). 
6. Can palpitations indicate a silent heart attack? Yes. In some cases, palpitations may be an early warning sign of silent heart attacks or serious arrhythmias. 
7. How can I prevent palpitations? Healthy lifestyle habits such as proper sleep, hydration, stress management, avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol, and regular health checkups can help reduce risk. 

Expertise This article is based on insights from experienced cardiology specialists and healthcare professionals associated with KG Hospital, a leading tertiary care multi-speciality hospital with decades of experience in advanced cardiac care. 

Experience The hospital has treated thousands of patients with heart rhythm disorders, silent heart attacks, heart failure, and other cardiovascular emergencies using evidence-based clinical practices and advanced technology. 

Authoritativeness KG Hospital is recognized for its multidisciplinary healthcare approach, advanced cardiac infrastructure, and commitment to delivering quality patient-centered care aligned with international standards. 

Trustworthiness The information shared in this article is intended for public health awareness and educational purposes. Patients experiencing symptoms should consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalized diagnosis and treatment.