Meaning of Palpitations

What are heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are symptoms where you feel your heartbeat more prominently or uncomfortably than usual. Descriptions vary, such as a racing heart, a strong pounding sensation, feeling like a beat was skipped, or feeling the vibration reach your throat. These sensations may last for a few seconds or continue longer.

This is the name of a symptom, not a specific disease. In reality, heart ratethe heart rate may be fast, or it may be within the normal range but perceived strongly; therefore, the cause is not determined by feeling alone.

How is this different from tachycardia?

Tachycardia refers to a measured heart rate that is faster than expected while at rest. Since heart palpitations are a subjective experience of the heartbeat, one may have tachycardia without feeling it, or feel palpitations even when the heart rate is not fast.

A fast pulse immediately after exercise and a fast pulse that starts suddenly while resting quietly have different contexts. When recording numbers, please include whether you were active, your posture, and the time of measurement.

Is this the same as arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is a broad term for a condition where the heart's electrical signals are created or transmitted abnormally, changing the speed or regularity of the heartbeat. It can be a cause of heart palpitations, but not all palpitations are arrhythmias.

To identify the cause, an ECG taken during the symptoms can be the most direct clue. If symptoms are short and intermittent, a clinic ECG may appear normal, so a Holter monitor or event recorder may be used as needed.

How might it feel?

It can be described as a racing feeling, a sinking sensation, fluttering, a skipped beat followed by a strong thumping, or an irregular beat. Some people feel the pulse prominently not only in the chest but also around the neck or ears.

It is difficult to determine if a condition is dangerous based on the feeling of palpitations alone. One must examine whether it started suddenly, if it was regular, how long it lasted, and whether it was accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting.

What are common triggers?

Strenuous exercise, lack of sleep, stress and anxiety, fever, pain, alcohol, and nicotine can affect your heart rate and your perception of your heartbeat. Caffeineor certain stimulant and decongestant ingredients in cold medicines, as well as other medications and supplements, are also reviewed.

Anemia, hyperthyroidism same Thyroid Hormone excessive states, electrolyte imbalances, and heart disease can also be causes. Do not delay the evaluation of recurring symptoms by self-diagnosing that it is 'because of anxiety' or 'due to caffeine'.

How should I view caffeine and exercise?

Responses to caffeine vary depending on the amount consumed, the time of day, and individual sensitivity. You must consider the total amount found not only in coffee but also in energy drinks, tea, chocolate, painkillers, and fatigue recovery supplements. Record whether your intake has increased compared to usual.

An increase in heart rate during exercise is a physiological response, but if it is accompanied by chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, or irregular beats, stop exercising. Do not push yourself to exercise again just to check the symptoms.

How do I check my pulse?

While sitting comfortably, you can count the beats for a set period by lightly placing your index and middle fingers on the artery on the inside of your wrist. Avoid using your thumb, as you may feel your own pulse. Note not only the speed but also whether it is regular or if there is a feeling of skipped beats.

Smartwatches and finger measurements can be helpful references, but errors may occur depending on movement and how the device is worn. If symptoms are severe, do not delay seeking care while trying to match the numbers on the device.

What should I record to help with the medical evaluation?

Record the start and end times, duration, posture and activity at the time, the measured pulse, and blood pressurechest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Also include the caffeine, alcohol, cold medicine, prescription drugs, and supplements taken that day, as well as your last meal and sleep.

If possible, prepare photos of the medication packaging and ingredient lists. Specific records before and after symptoms are more helpful in linking current prescriptions to the cause than saying 'I occasionally feel palpitations'.

What tests can be performed?

During the evaluation, your medical history and medications are reviewed, and your pulse, blood pressure, and signs related to the heart and thyroid are examined. An ECG, blood tests, and, if necessary, a device that records the ECG over a certain period may be selected.

The same tests are not required for everyone. An arrhythmia is not diagnosed solely by smartwatch notifications, nor is a cardiac cause completely ruled out solely by normal notifications.

How should I interpret this during weight management?

Excessively reducing food intake or dehydrationcombining it with lack of sleep and strenuous exercise can lead to dizziness, tremors, and palpitations. These symptoms are not viewed as a positive response simply because weight loss is rapid.

The evaluation includes the ingredients and timing of any diet pills, Korean herbal medicine, or supplements being taken. Check whether stimulant ingredients have been duplicated while using multiple products together.

Signs that you need immediate help

If current palpitations do not subside and are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or a feeling that you might faint, seek emergency help immediately. Prompt medical evaluation is also necessary if accompanied by new neurological abnormalities or severe weakness.

Do not drive yourself; request help from 119. Even if symptoms have stopped, urgent medical evaluation may be necessary if these accompanying signs were present.

If you experience pulsating sensations while taking Baekrok Gambi-jeong

If there are no emergency signs, please notify Baekrokdam before your next dose. If you provide the time of your last dose and the onset of symptoms, your pulse and blood pressure, and any caffeine, cold medicine, or other prescriptions, Dr. Choi Yeon-seung will review your current prescription to guide you on the next dose and the necessary evaluation sequence.

Do not repeat the same dose while enduring the symptoms, and do not arbitrarily add other sedative ingredients. If you experience chest pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing, prioritize an emergency medical institution without waiting for a response from Baekrokdam.

Key points to remember when interpreting palpitations

Palpitations are a symptom of feeling the heartbeat prominently, not a diagnostic cause. You must record the heart rate, regularity, duration, situation, medications, and accompanying symptoms to distinguish between tachycardia, arrhythmia, and temporary reactions.

Do not interpret new pulsating sensations during weight management as a 'sign that the medicine is working.' If they recur or persist for a long time, get an evaluation; if there are emergency signs, seek help immediately.