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Heart palpitations can feel alarming, especially when they appear without warning. For this reason, understanding heart palpitations causes and treatment is essential for long-term heart health. Many people describe palpitations as a fluttering feeling, a racing heartbeat, or the sense that the heart skips a beat. While these sensations are often harmless, they can sometimes point to more serious heart rhythm problems, including atrial fibrillation or other cardiovascular issues.
Drawing on years of experience in integrative cardiology, Dr. Cynthia Thaik offers a clear and practical guide to identifying and managing heart palpitations effectively.
Understanding what heart palpitations are, why they happen, and when they need medical care can make a real difference in overall heart health. Therefore, Dr. Cynthia Thaik combines both conventional and holistic approaches to address the root cause rather than simply easing symptoms.
What Are Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations refer to being more aware of your heartbeat than usual. You may notice your heart pounding, fluttering, racing, or beating unevenly. These sensations can occur in the chest, throat, or neck and may last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.
In many cases, heart palpitations are harmless and linked to lifestyle triggers. For example, stress, caffeine, dehydration, or poor sleep often play a role. However, when palpitations happen often or last longer, they may signal an abnormal heart rhythm, also called an arrhythmia.
Although palpitations are not a diagnosis on their own, they are an important symptom. As a result, they should never be ignored, especially when paired with chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Common Causes of Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations can come from many different factors. Therefore, finding the underlying cause is key to choosing the right treatment.
1. Stress and Anxiety
Stress triggers the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. Consequently, adrenaline is released, which can cause the heart to beat faster or irregularly. In fact, chronic stress is one of the most common causes Dr. Cynthia Thaik sees in her patients.
2. Caffeine and Stimulants
Caffeine, energy drinks, nicotine, and some medications can overstimulate the heart. In addition, certain supplements promoted for energy or weight loss may also lead to palpitations.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormone shifts during pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, or thyroid problems can trigger heart palpitations. This is especially common in women.
4. Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance
Low levels of potassium, magnesium, or sodium can interfere with the heart’s electrical signals. As a result, dehydration is an often-overlooked cause of palpitations.
5. Underlying Heart Conditions
Structural heart disease, valve issues, or coronary artery disease can also cause palpitations. In some cases, they may serve as an early warning sign of conditions such as atrial fibrillation.
When Heart Palpitations Are a Medical Emergency
While many palpitations are harmless, certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention.
Seek emergency care if heart palpitations are accompanied by:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Severe shortness of breath
- Persistent dizziness
- Sudden onset of weakness or confusion
Chest pain in combination with heart palpitations may signal a heart attack or other serious cardiac event. According to Dr. Cynthia Thaik, patients should never attempt to self-diagnose in these situations.
Diagnosing Heart Palpitations
Proper diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. A thorough evaluation typically includes:
- Detailed medical history and symptom analysis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Holter monitor or event monitor
- Blood tests to assess thyroid function and electrolytes
- Imaging studies if structural heart disease is suspected
Dr. Cynthia Thaik takes diagnosis a step further by evaluating lifestyle, nutritional status, stress levels, and inflammatory markers, offering a more complete picture of heart health.
Conventional Treatment Options for Heart Palpitations
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.
Medications
Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmic medications may be prescribed to regulate heart rhythm, particularly in atrial fibrillation cases.
Medical Procedures
In certain cases, procedures such as catheter ablation or cardioversion may be recommended to restore normal heart rhythm.
While conventional treatments can be effective, Dr. Cynthia Thaik often integrates them with natural therapies to reduce side effects and support overall cardiovascular health.
Integrative and Natural Treatment Approaches
As a leader in integrative cardiology, Dr. Cynthia Thaik focuses on treating the whole person—not just the heart rhythm.
Nutrition for Heart Rhythm Balance
A nutrient-dense diet rich in leafy greens, healthy fats, and lean proteins supports electrical stability of the heart. Reducing sugar and processed foods can significantly decrease palpitations.
Stress Management
Mind-body practices such as meditation, breathwork, and yoga can help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress-induced heart palpitations.
Targeted Supplementation
Magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and CoQ10 may support heart rhythm when used appropriately under medical supervision.
Sleep Optimization
Poor sleep and sleep apnea are strongly linked to atrial fibrillation and palpitations. Addressing sleep quality is often a turning point for patients.
Preventing Heart Palpitations Naturally
Prevention starts with daily habits. Dr. Cynthia Thaik encourages patients to take a proactive role in heart health.
Key preventive strategies include:
- Staying well hydrated
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Managing blood sugar levels
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in regular, moderate exercise
Small, consistent changes can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of heart palpitations over time.
Why Experience Matters in Heart Care
With over a decade of experience in both conventional and holistic cardiology, Dr. Cynthia Thaik bridges the gap between evidence-based medicine and personalized care. Her approach emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and patient education.
Heart palpitations are often the body’s way of signaling imbalance. Rather than masking symptoms, Dr. Cynthia Thaik’s methodology focuses on identifying and correcting the root cause—whether it’s inflammation, hormonal imbalance, or chronic stress.
Final Thoughts
Heart palpitations can be unsettling, but they are also an opportunity to listen to your body. Whether caused by lifestyle factors or more serious conditions like atrial fibrillation, early evaluation and a comprehensive treatment plan are key.
If you experience recurring palpitations, chest pain, or unexplained symptoms, seeking guidance from an experienced cardiologist like Dr. Cynthia Thaik can provide clarity and peace of mind. By combining medical expertise with integrative strategies, long-term heart health becomes an achievable goal rather than a constant worry.
