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Heart Palpitations are Usually Harmless

by VR Sreeraman on Aug 29 2007 7:01 PM

Heart palpitations cause anxiety but they are usually harmless, reports a study.

Palpitations are common in people as the way of experiencing it comes through common behaviour and emotions. Sometimes, the heart flutters, throbs, flip-flops, or pounds, or misses a beat because of certain emotions like excitement, fear or shock and even through certain activities and events. Palpitations can appear out of the blue and disappear just as suddenly, says a report published in the September 2007 issue of the Harvard Heart Letter.

Some of the most important things to know are that how palpitations feel and how often they strike.

Some palpitations result from premature contractions of the heart’s chambers or malfunctions of a heart valve. But a physical exam and electrocardiogram often don’t turn up any problems, which can be frustrating to the patient. If your palpitations aren’t accompanied by dizziness or other symptoms and if you don’t have a valve disorder or other structural problem with your heart, that usually means palpitations are benign.

The Harvard Heart Letter suggests that if you have unexplained palpitations, start with simple steps to help alleviate them. Cut back on caffeine, smoking, and alcohol; avoid over-the-counter decongestants, eat and drink regularly, get enough sleep, and find a way to relax if you are stressed. In some cases, doctor may recommend medications or a procedure to correct errant electrical signals in the heart.

Source-ANI
SRM/C


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