Racing heart

General

Palpitations, also known as paroxysmal tachycardia, are known to almost everyone. A tachycardia is defined by a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute. Usually the palpitations start very suddenly, then you can feel your heartbeat in your throat or in the whole chest (so-called palpitations). With anticipation, excitement or fear, racing heart is usually completely harmless and slowly subsides again. Palpitations can also be an indication of an organic heart or thyroid disease and should be clarified by your family doctor if other symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea or dizziness occur in addition to the palpitations.

Please also read: Dizziness and racing heart

How does a racing heart develop?

Every person has extra heart beats throughout the day, so-called extrasystoles. An extrasystole is harmless, but can trigger circling excitation. In this excitation cycle, the excitation wave returns again and again via the same path to the exit of the electrical excitation. Such a circular excitation is also referred to as a reentry cycle and can arise in the heart chambers, for example on the edge of a scar in the heart muscle tissue after a heart attack. In addition, in some patients there are innate conduction pathways between the atria and the ventricles that can promote a reentry cycle. A reentry cycle creates a racing heart with a regular rhythm.

If instead of this regular palpitations of the heart there are many smaller, irregular excitation circuits, atrial fibrillation or ventricular fibrillation is the result. While ventricular fibrillation leads to immediate cardiac arrest and affected patients have to be resuscitated, atrial fibrillation is often not noticed because it does not impair the circulatory function at all or only slightly.

Palpitations can not only be triggered by the mechanism of circular excitations, but also by the so-called "increased automatism", which accelerates the frequency of the sinus node. The sinus node is the clock of the heart and can be stimulated to a faster frequency by the autonomic nervous system, various drugs and stimulants such as caffeine and other factors that affect the cardiovascular system and thus trigger palpitations.

Causes of the racing heart

With alcohol

Unfortunately, alcohol not only affects the brain, where it creates an often desired high state, but also the rest of the body. There it can cause less desirable side effects - for example palpitations, but also high blood pressure and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).

These effects are due to an activation of the sympathetic nervous system in the diencephalon. The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system that puts us in a general readiness to fight (fight-or-flight reaction). The result is that the heart's performance is increased, the heart rate and the volume of blood ejected increase. This in turn leads to an increase in blood pressure. If the heart rate rises above 100 beats per minute, one speaks of a tachycardia, which is also known colloquially as a racing heart.

The rapid heartbeat can be caused by many diseases, some of which are dangerous, for which clarification is useful. Arrhythmias that are caused by alcohol are usually harmless and go away within 24 hours. This supraventricular tachycardiasAtrial fibrillation, as in this case, occurs preferentially in young men a few hours after excessive alcohol consumption. For this reason, it is also referred to as Holiday Heart Syndrome. With fibrillation of the atria, functional cardiac arrest does not occur as with ventricular fibrillation, but it results in an absolute arrhythmia - the heart beats too quickly and very irregularly. If it occurs more than once, it is advisable not to use large amounts of alcohol and to consult a cardiologist.

Read a lot more information on this topic at: Racing heart after alcohol

Through stress

Stress primarily affects the autonomic or autonomic nervous system, which is not subject to arbitrary control. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, a part of the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic in turn leads to the release of signaling substances such as the catecholamines noradrenaline and adrenaline, which causes an increase in cardiac output. More precisely, the heart rate rises and a larger volume of blood is ejected.

In addition, the blood vessels constrict and blood pressure rises, the lungs expand and the activity of the digestive tract is inhibited, we are almost ready for a fight. From an evolutionary point of view, this stress response is helpful because it puts people on alert to ensure survival in dangerous situations. However, it has a damaging effect when the sympathetic system is permanently very active (we are not talking about an acute, brief stressful situation here).

The consequences of long-term stress, which can be both physical and psychological, are often felt in the heart. The activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to tachycardias (palpitations), i.e. a heartbeat that is too fast (more than 100 beats per minute).

If the heart beats too fast for a long time, the risk of further arrhythmias increases. Since the heart can only adapt to the permanent stress situation to a limited extent, it becomes overloaded in the long run. This in turn is a risk factor for various other heart diseases, for example coronary artery disease, which leads to a heart attack in the end-stage or heart failure (Heart failure).

More information can be found at: Palpitations from stress

Through the thyroid

The thyroid produces the hormones triiodotyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which are essential for human life. They are basically responsible for boosting the metabolism, increasing cardiac output and producing heat. They are still needed for intellectual development and growth in height. The two hormones also increase the effects of catecholamines, which include norepinephrine and adrenaline.
Noradrenaline and adrenaline increase the heart rate (chronotropy) and the muscle strength of the heart (inotropy) or, more generally, the cardiac output.

A larger volume of blood is ejected at shorter intervals. A narrowing of the blood vessels also increases blood pressure. Since the heart has to pump a larger volume against a higher pressure, the work of the heart also increases. If there is too much T3 and T4 in the blood in the case of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), the heart is strongly driven by the increased adrenaline effect, much more than would actually be necessary. This is why an overactive thyroid often causes palpitations, which can increase to atrial fibrillation. If an exophthalmos (bulging eyes), high blood pressure, increased reflexes and weight loss are present in addition to the racing heart, an overactive thyroid is very likely the cause of the tachycardia.

At night

Palpitations can occur not only during vigorous physical exertion, but also in complete rest and at night. Many of those affected even report only problems during the night. It doesn't have to be a bad thing, but it can't be ruled out either. Therefore, you should definitely consult a doctor who will clarify this.

Mostly, however, it is a "benign" palpitations of the heart that originate from the sinus node or the atria. This shape is called supraventricular Tachycardias. Causes can range from excessive alcohol consumption to hormonal changes during the menopause.
An overactive thyroid should be ruled out because the thyroid hormones have a stimulating effect on the heart. A racing heart can also be an indication of high blood pressure or anemia. In this case, the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen by distributing the blood more quickly in the body, i.e. by making the heart beat faster.

Serious illnesses can also be concealed behind a racing heart at night, for example ventricular tachycardia (the racing heart starts from the heart chamber). This can lead to ventricular fibrillation, which is a life-threatening condition. Even with atrial fibrillation, an absolute arrhythmia leads to a racing heart.

However, tachycardia can also be an indication of coronary artery disease or a heart attack. It can also be caused by poisoning or a pulmonary embolism. In any case, it should be investigated what the cause of the nocturnal racing heart is.

Find out more about the topic here: Racing heart at night

Symptoms and complications

You can feel it when your heart is racing increased pulse up to the neck and as a whole Rib cage. As a rule, the palpitations begin relatively suddenly and gradually stops again. Feeling your own heartbeat is a frequent accompanying symptom, medical professionals speak of Palpitations. Simultaneously with the racing heart, a Palpitations occur, which is caused by an irregular heartbeat and can be a symptom of atrial fibrillation, but can also occur with harmless palpitations. Accompanying the racing heart can be a short unconsciousness occur because the cardiovascular function can be restricted by the massively increased heart rate.

Racing heart and tremors

A common cause of palpitations and Tremble is the psychogenic hyperventilation. By Pain, fear, nervousness or other psychological stress, it can lead to a pathological increase in the minute volume, as the breathing regulation is influenced by the usual influences of chemical breath stimuli in the blood and by the effects of the Acid-base balance is disconnected. Due to the enormously increased breathing, the falls Carbon dioxide content in the blood from and the PH value the blood rises. The low CO2 levels and high pH levels can lead to clinical symptoms, which in their entirety are called Hyperventilation syndrome are designated. A Tingling sensation on the extremities is common in hyperventilation syndrome. In extreme cases it can be too Convulsions (Tetany) With Paw position of hands come. Most of the time, the hyperventilation is just through Tremble, a headache and Racing heart accompanied, one too unconsciousness is possible. There is no pathological organic cause for the racing heart in psychogenic hyperventilation.
Therapy takes place via the Rebreathing of the exhaled air by holding a plastic bag. Through the principle of rebreathing, the body absorbs the previously exhaled carbon dioxide, the CO2 level in the blood rises again and the symptoms gradually disappear.
Palpitations and tremors occur psychological stress, Exam anxiety or too much stress but not only in the context of hyperventilation, but are often the only complaints with one mental overload. Palpitations and tremors can also occur with excessive Alcohol or caffeine consumption or as part of a Hypoglycaemia (Hypoglycemia) any cause can occur, including the ingestion of Drugs can cause palpitations and tremors. A Hyperthyroidism (Hyperthyroidism) also often triggers palpitations and tremors, especially the fingers, and also makes itself through inner unrest, insomnia, increased sweating, unwanted Weight loss and high blood pressure noticeable. With hyperthyroidism, there is an oversupply of thyroid hormones, the symptoms mentioned above result from the excessive effect of the thyroid hormones. The racing heart in hyperthyroidism is due to the increased sensitivity of the heart mediated by the thyroid hormones adrenaline and can either be a symptom of atrial fibrillation or an expression of an increased automatism of the sinus node, which leads to an increase in the heart rate.

Racing heart and nausea

nausea is usually a symptom of a disease of the Gastrointestinal tract, but in combination with a racing heart it can indicate a heart attack. Women and men perceive pain differently, especially in women there are nausea and Pain in the upper abdomen a common symptom of a heart attack. Therefore should Women all new complaints with sudden onset, Localization in the region between the nose and the navel and a duration of more than 15 minutes urgent medical clarification.

Palpitations during pregnancy

In pregnant women, the space for the abdominal organs is significantly restricted by the unborn child. The abdominal organs therefore partially move upwards, which leads to a Elevated diaphragm leads. In addition, the unborn child can act on the inferior vena cava to restrict the venous return of blood to the heart. This puts a significant strain on the pregnant woman's circulatory system, so the heart has to work harder to ensure the blood supply for mother and child. Phased palpitations in the pregnancy is mostly classified as harmless by gynecologists.

Very rare Palpitations during pregnancy a symptom of a new one Heart disease or thyroid dysfunction. A increased pulse does not harm the child, but should be viewed as a normal reaction to the existing pregnancy. However: in addition to the heart rate, the Blood pressure permanently increased in pregnancy, consists of the so-called Pregnancy hypertension a danger to mother and child. The pregnant women affected should seek medical advice and treat their high blood pressure.

You can find further information under our topic: Palpitations during pregnancy

Menopause

There are numerous women for whom the onset of menopause and also going through it is very stressful because they have many complaints. The estrogen level drops (estrogen = female sex hormone) and this makes the body difficult.

Read more on this topic: Palpitations during menopause

Not only the change between sweating and freezing at completely inappropriate moments, but also nocturnal racing heart is a typical symptom. The falling estrogen level is responsible for the fact that the autonomic nervous system, that is the nervous system that regulates the unconscious processes of the body, such as the heartbeat or hormone production, reacts much more easily and more strongly to stimuli. Therefore it is very easy to get a racing heart. However, one should definitely not ignore the psychological stress that women have to struggle with when a lot changes in their bodies. It is above all at the beginning of menopause, when psychological symptoms accumulate. Of course, this can also cause heart palpitations at night.

Also read our topic: Menopause

Racing heart and alcohol

Palpitations are a so-called presentation symptom of the Alcohol sickness, which means that if there are other factors that suggest an alcohol problem, a new rapid heartbeat can be a sign of excessive alcohol consumption to the doctor. Palpitations can also occur if the alcohol consumption is increased only once. Alcohol blocks the formation of new sugar molecules in the liver and thus mainly contributes Diabetics for hypoglycaemia. A Hypoglycaemia excessive alcohol consumption is also possible for non-diabetics. The problem is that drunk or intoxicated people recognize the warning signs of impending hypoglycaemia more difficultly than when they are sober. The hypoglycaemia can be considered one in technical terms sympathetic cause the specified reaction of the body, which is, among other things, increased sweat, Restlessness, Tremble and Racing heart makes noticeable.

Read a lot more information on this topic at: Racing heart after alcohol

Palpitations after eating

Palpitations after eating, i.e. a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute, can indicate increased metabolic activity with a simultaneous deficiency in the function of certain organs or organs that have been changed due to illness.
But the composition of the food also plays an important role. The blood flow to the digestive tract is increased after the intake of food. Normally, this additional physical stress on the cardiovascular system is only slightly noticeable for the affected organism.

In the case of existing diseases of the heart or blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, the increased blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract can cause significantly increased cardiac activity. This manifests itself in a high heart rate.
Food that is high in fat or sugar, as well as caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can also trigger a racing heart.
The Dumping syndrome occurs in particular after operations on the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach reductions or tumor removal. Mostly it is a reduced passage time in the stomach with impaired function of certain nerve tracts. The food pulp in the stomach is usually not only passed on to the small intestine depending on the filling level, but is also closely related to the cardiovascular system. If the stomach empties its contents independently of the normal rhythm, this can lead to cardiac arrhythmias such as racing heart.

The onset of type II diabetes mellitus can result in a massive drop in blood sugar levels and an increase in blood pressure with a simultaneous racing heart.
In addition, there are other, less common endocrinological causes, such as an insulin-producing tumor, which can be responsible for the racing heart after eating.

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Palpitations and shortness of breath

Shortness of breath or shortness of breath is used in technical terms as Dyspnea and is defined as the “subjective feeling of having to increase breathing activity”. The WHO divides dyspnea into severity grades I-IV.

• Grade I. corresponds to shortness of breath fast walking, at the Go uphill or at Climb stairs.
• Grade II describes a shortness of breath that occurs when Walking in the plane occurs.
• Grade III relates to the need for breaks to take a breath quiet walk with a.
• Grade IV corresponds to a shortness of breath that is already in peace occurs.

Symptoms of shortness of breath are those accelerated breathing (Tachypnea) with a breathing rate of over 20 breaths per minute and tachycardia, popularly known as racing heart. Other accompanying symptoms can be fear, the use of the Auxiliary respiratory muscles and a Blue color of the skin (cyanosis) as a sign of insufficient oxygen supply.
The cause of a racing heart with shortness of breath can be diseases of the lungs and the respiratory tract, for example asthma, one lung infection or the Pneumothorax. Also one Heart failure can lead to shortness of breath with a racing heart, because the poor supply of oxygen to the body can cause the subjective feeling of shortness of breath. Other reasons for palpitations and shortness of breath include staying in great height, one anemia (Anemia), one Carbon monoxide poisoning, the mentally conditioned Hyperventilation, a dysregulation of the Acid-base balance as well as the Pulmonary artery embolism. In pulmonary artery embolism, a pulmonary artery is blocked by a thrombus from the deep leg or pelvic veins. In addition to palpitations and shortness of breath, pulmonary artery embolism also has symptoms Breath-dependent chest pain and in many cases too Fear of death.

Racing heart caused by stress

A clear one Acceleration of the heart rate is in everyone emotional situationsbe it with joy, sadness or anger, known. Usually this lasts for a limited time and then returns to normal.
Stress symptoms, such as racing heart, arise as reaction to situations that are perceived as stressful and uncontrollable. The body is in a constant state of tension.
Stress hormones how adrenaline and Glucocorticoids are released and affect the physical and mental state.
Physical symptoms are sometimes headaches and back pain, a weakened immune system with frequent colds, gastrointestinal complaints and abnormalities of the cardiovascular system such as palpitations, high blood pressure and breathing difficulties.

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Racing heart at night

Phased palpitations, which usually begin shortly after going to bed, can be a symptom of a so-called latent hyperthyroidism be. Latent hyperthyroidism is one that has not yet fully developed Overactive thyroid. The thyroid hormone levels in the blood have not yet increased, although they have already been decoupled from the normal control loop autonomy the thyroid gland. Is very common Atrial fibrillation the cause of a sudden palpitation of the heart with a latent overactive thyroid. Patients with a Anxiety disorder often complain of a racing heart at night. Those affected wake up trembling with one Panic attack and heart racing dizziness and heavy sweating can make symptoms worse.

In addition, nocturnal racing heart can also through normal tension should be conditional For example, an important exam the next day or have other crucial and important things to do.

Not just in the eveningwhen you go to bed many people have a racing heart, but also often in the morning, right after waking up many people suffer, especially if the cause is psychological under mentioned symptoms. Some people also react enormously to stimulating drinks how Energy drinks or coffee, especially if you like this right before sleep drink. This often leads to Difficulty falling asleep due to the internal restlessness.

At the present timethat has become so fast moving stress plays a major role. Often have to already children cope with excessive stress and more frequently people get sick mental illness how depressions or develop Panic attacks and or Anxiety disorders. Especially when you feel stressed and feels like you can't cope with a situation, or if one is afraid of something, it has a huge effect on the body. Those affected are often more likely to feel something when they are in bed.

Of course you can Palpitations occur at any time, but when you are in bed you often have a lot of time to think and many then cannot switch off. In the meantime a lot is demanded at work and also in school and studies many reach their limits every day. Especially with Multiple loads, as often young women too have to endure when they single parent are and also still work part time have to. Especially financial worries let people in deepest fears fall. Likewise belongs Fear for the job and the Loss of family member and partner too big Stressors.

As already mentioned, many people do mental palpitations have that Symptoms exactly then when they finally had peace, namely when they go to bed and at night. Exactly when you actually think that you can finally have peace and quiet and relax, unfortunately you have too much more time to be aware of your worries and fears. Usually that comes at some point Added stress of not being able to sleep, although you have to get up the next day and have to be fit again. Exactly those thoughts do not lead to relaxation but to the exact opposite. Still you should go to the doctor in any case and first all exclude somatic and organic causes can before one can speak of a psychological cause. It will then be a normal EKG, a Long-term ECG which one over 24 hours. goes and a Exercise ECG made. Are all these investigations and Blood tests and so on ok, you should in any case devote to the psyche and then find out where the complaints are coming from. Last the Complaints have been on for too long and rob the patient of sleep on the one hand, this affects the rest of your life and creates additional fear, especially the fear of not being able to sleep again. And this, in turn, will not relieve the racing heart.

Palpitations while lying down

Kick Racing heart preferred in Lie this can be related to changes in pressure on receptors and nerve connections due to the position. The range of causes for the simultaneous occurrence of both symptoms is broad and can include organ-specific diseases, on too psychological triggers be due. If the racing heart continues for a certain period of time while lying down, a medical examination is recommended.

diagnosis

Palpitations in response to a sudden physical exertion or a sudden onset excitement or fear In the absence of other symptoms, the body is usually a harmless response to the new situation. If the heart beats, however heaped or with no apparent cause, accompanied by other symptoms such as Chest pain, Tremble, dizziness and nausea the palpitations should be checked by a doctor in order to rule out serious organic causes and to detect possible diseases early.
The doctor begins the diagnosis with a comprehensive one anamnese. The most important questions are about the type of heart racing:

• Did it start suddenly or gradually?
• How often does it happen?
• How long lasts an episode of the racing heart?
• Which Concomitant symptoms (Fainting, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath etc.) occur while the heart is racing?
• There was a certain one triggering situation?
• Does the patient take it regularly? Medication a?

The anamnesis gives the doctor a first impression of the patient's symptoms and can make initial assumptions about the causes. In the physical exam the doctor focuses primarily on any signs of a Heart failure, an innate Heart defect or one high blood pressure. The lungs and thyroid are also carefully examined.
The next step in the investigation is the recording of one Resting ECG, especially in relation to an expired Heart attack, Hints for a Heart failure or serious Arrhythmia is evaluated. in the Exercise ECG becomes a EKG under physical strain on the Exercise bike recorded to detect palpitations that only occur during exercise. If the heart palpitations occur only in phases, a Long-term ECG can be recorded over 24-48 hours. In any case, to clarify palpitations in the Electrolyte balance and a Hyperthyroidism be excluded by a blood test.
If a lung disease is suspected as the cause of the racing heart, a Pulmonary function test and a Blood gas analysis carried out. Serious arrhythmias, which rarely occur, can be caused by so-called Event recorder (either external to the body or implanted). If the episodes of the racing heart cannot be recorded, such an episode may possibly be caused by the Carotid pressure attempt or the Tilt table attempt triggered and recorded in the ECG. An invasive diagnosis is through a Electrophysiological examination possible, which, depending on the detected cardiac arrhythmia, also represents a therapeutic method.

Therapy of the racing heart

Palpitations are treated depending on the underlying cause. To drug therapy are so-called Antiarrhythmics which influence the electrical potential in the heart muscle cells and thus prevent cardiac arrhythmias. Depending on the type of heart racing is one Catheter ablation, one external cardioversion (for atrial fibrillation) or the preventive implantation of a Defibrillator system possible. These defibrillators, called ICDs for short, can stop the racing heart by delivering an electric shock in dangerous tachycardias. If the palpitations are symptom of another disease, this is of course treated: In the case of hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is treated, in the case of pulmonary embolism, the thrombus is removed, etc.

You can find much more information on this subject at: Therapy of the racing heart

Prevent palpitations

The There are many reasons for palpitations and not always due to a clear physical trigger. If there is no organ-specific disease, stress-related cardiac arrhythmias in particular can be dealt with by a healthy lifestyle prevent.
In addition to a balanced diet play with a low sugar content and low animal fat sufficient exercise and low alcohol consumption and abstaining from nicotine play an important role.
Relaxation techniques, as the autogenic training, regulate the functioning of our circulatory system. Instructional and calming words at the same time put the practitioner in a sleep-like state in which the blood circulation increases and the Heart rate drops. Regular exercise intervals counteract the often anxiety and stress-related cardiac arrhythmias.

Homeopathy for palpitations

Since fear or great stress are often the cause of palpitations, this is it homeopathic remedies Aconitum napellus very effective. Aconitum napellus is that blue monkshood, which in our latitudes is very frequently encountered is. When the plant not professionally processed was, is everything about her, however, is highly toxic. This means helps with great anxiety and restlessness.

Adonis vernalis is used in diseases of the heart. It will from the old medicinal plant Adonis won. The typical potencies are here D2 to D12.

Also Argentum metallicum becomes with anxiety gladly used. The typical potencies with this medicine are from D6 to D12. It will above all in people uses the driven and nervous Act. In contrast to Aconitum napellus, however, it will rather with slight fear used. Aconitum napellus can also with severe anxiety and shock states are given.

The funds also help Argentium nitricum and Ammonium carbonicum. The former will also be gladly given in case of fears. For example, this can be a certain Fear of expectation be or also Stage Fright. The second one takes if one takes Circulatory disorders suffers.

In addition to the homeopathic remedies there are also some in naturopathy herbal medicines, which have a calming effect on the patient. But they are mainly used when the person affected Racing heart suffers, which is psychologically conditioned. At the top is the Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). She can in Teardrop shape or also in Tablet form administered. You can in all pharmacies to buy. she dissolves fear and inner unrest. You can also with difficulty falling asleep take in. But Patience is requiredbecause herbal medicines do not work immediately, but if you have enough lead time, many patients can see an improvement.

Of the lavender also has one calming effect. Often he is in the Aromatherapy used and thus relieves tension and fears. You can also use lavender oil in pharmacies, drugstores and health food stores to buy.

Lemon balm in turn, is gladly taken when it is too nervous-related problems falling asleep comes. Also magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron have a positive effect on people who suffer from an anxiety disorder.