Guide to Heart Palpitations
Everyone experiences heart palpitations at some time or another. The risk of palpitations tends to increase with age.
The following factors can increase your risk of heart palpitations that are not associated with an underlying heart arrhythmia:
- anxiety
- stress
- panic attacks
- recent strenuous exercise
- caffeine
- nicotine
- fever
- hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
- certain medications, such as pseudoephedrine
Also, there are factors that can increase your risk of having palpitations that are related to underlying problems with heart rhythm, including:
- Heart disease or risk factors for heart disease such as obesity and high cholesterol.
- History of heart attack.
- Heart failure, heart valve problems, or heart muscle problems.
- Abnormal electrolyte levels (levels of ions in your blood such as sodium and potassium).
Continued on page 4: How do I know if I have heart palpitations?
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