Pulse-pounding is a disorder, also known by the term “heart palpitations" and is characterized by conscious perception of the beating heart, in particular due to acceleration or irregularities of rhythm.
Palpitations can happen in case of increase of the frequency of the heart (condition also known as " tachycardia "), which can be induced by physical exertion and emotion, and in case of irregularity of the rhythm heart due to the manifestation of ectopic (which evoke the feeling of a heart that "misfires" ).
The causes that underlie the palpitations can be of nervous (anxiety, stress) or organic. They can also be conditions like: heart problems, anemia and renal colic, that causes much less worrying, as indigestion.
What kind of diseases can be associated with palpitations?
The following diseases may be associated with heart palpitations:
- Anaphylaxis
- Anemia
- Angina pectoris
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Renal colic
- Coronary artery disease
- Dyslipidemia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Myocardial infarction
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Hyperthyroidism
- Ventricular hypertrophy
- Graves' disease – Basedow
- Stress
Remember that the list is not exhaustive and it is always good to seek consultation from your doctor in case of manifestation of the disorder.
What is the therapy for palpitations?
In case of heart-stopping, both in case of tachycardia of extrasystoles, it is good to stop any activity in which you are involved and try to relax, so the heartbeats can return to normal. Also you should lie, when possible, and try to breathe deeply.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of palpitations?
If you think that you might be a risk for: anaphylaxis, poisoning by carbon, renal colic or cardiovascular diseases (see list associated diseases) it is best to turn to the emergency room. In other cases, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
