Common Triggers for Heart Palpitations

• Posted on: Feb 10 2025
• By: Adrian Santiago

For many people, heart palpitations can be frightening. Frequent or protracted palpitations can be concerning, even when they are harmless infrequently. If you know the typical triggers, you can better control these episodes and know when to get medical treatment.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Feeling your heart beat more violently or irregularly than usual is known as a heart palpitation. The sensation is also described as a racing, fluttering, or pounding in the chest. Even though they can be frightening, many cases have nothing to do with serious medical issues. However, keeping a healthy heart requires knowing the underlying factors.

Here are some of the most common triggers for heart palpitations:

Dietary Factors

Your diet has a direct impact on your heart rhythm and has a significant impact on cardiovascular health. Typical food triggers include the following:

• Caffeine – Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, energy drinks, and colas can overstimulate your heart, causing palpitations. Even moderate consumption may affect individuals who are particularly sensitive to caffeine.
• Alcohol – Drinking alcohol in excess, especially in binge patterns, can lead to irregular heartbeats, commonly known as atrial fibrillation (AFib).
• Sugar and Carbohydrates – Sudden spikes in blood sugar can overstimulate the body, potentially leading to heart palpitations.
• MSG and Preservatives – Some individuals are sensitive to monosodium glutamate (MSG) or other food additives, which can trigger palpitations.
• Dehydration – Inadequate hydration can lead to imbalanced electrolytes, which are crucial for proper heart function. This is particularly important during hot Long Island summers.

If you notice that you experience heart palpitations, keep a food diary. This may help you identify the food culprit.

Emotional Stress and Anxiety

The fast-paced lifestyle of Nassau County can sometimes affect emotional well-being. Stress and anxiety are common triggers for heart palpitations due to their impact on the autonomic nervous system. Stress hormones, such as adrenaline, can increase your heart rate and cause sensations of fluttering or pounding.

Some ways to reduce stress-related triggers include practicing mindfulness, engaging in relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, or taking advantage of Long Island’s serene beaches and parks.

Physical Activity

While exercise is essential for heart health, overexertion or improper preparation can sometimes lead to palpitations. Some physical activities that may trigger heart palpitations include:

• Intense Workouts – High-intensity exercise, especially without a proper warm-up, can temporarily overstimulate the heart, leading to palpitations.
• Dehydration and Electrolyte Loss – Electrolytes like potassium and magnesium are essential for sustaining a regular heartbeat and can be depleted by physical exercise, especially in warm temperatures.
• Post-Workout Recovery – Transitioning from high activity to rest can cause irregular heartbeats for some individuals as the body adjusts.

Keep an eye on the frequency and severity of any palpitations you have during or after exercise, and see a doctor if these palpitations persist or get stronger with time.

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications and supplements can influence your heart’s rhythm. Over-the-counter decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, weight-loss supplements, and asthma medications are known to occasionally cause palpitations. If you take any drugs and notice increased episodes, consult your doctor to discuss alternatives or adjustments.

Underlying Medical Conditions

While most palpitations are benign, they can sometimes signal an underlying health issue, such as:

• Thyroid Disorders – An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can lead to a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Heart Conditions – Arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation can cause frequent or severe palpitations.
• Anemia – Low levels of red blood cells can make your heart work harder to supply oxygen, leading to palpitations.
• Sleep Apnea – Adults with this illness frequently experience cardiac arrhythmia, especially when they sleep.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While occasional heart palpitations are harmless, specific symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention. These include palpitations accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or fainting episodes lasting longer than a few minutes and a history of heart disease or other risk factors.

Take Charge of Your Health

Understanding what triggers your heart palpitations can help you maintain your health. The team of skilled professionals at Cardiovascular Wellness in Hicksville and Lake Success is committed to assisting you in achieving the best possible heart health. Let’s work together to identify the source of your heart palpitations and work toward a solution. Contact us today to get started on the path to heart health and peace of mind.

Cardiovascular Wellness Specialty Care, P.C. serves all of Long Island, New York, with locations in Lake Success and Hicksville, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, Great Neck, Manhasset, and surrounding areas.

Posted in: Heart Palpitations