Heartbeat suddenly speeds up

Many people have experienced a sudden increase in heartbeat. Sometimes, in a quiet state, they feel that they can hear the thumping of their heartbeat. If you are in good health, there is no need to worry. This may only be an occasional condition. However, if it occurs frequently, or even accompanied by other physical discomforts, you need to pay more attention. The relevant content is introduced below, let’s take a look.

What is going on? Should I see a doctor?

Experts suggest that if you are healthy, you probably don't need to worry too much about occasional palpitations, which only last for a few seconds. It may be caused by recent fatigue, tension and stress. If they happen frequently or are accompanied by symptoms like: chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, then you need to see a doctor.

Before you see your doctor, it's best to learn if you have any of these conditions, which will also help your doctor better understand your symptoms. For example, does your accelerated heartbeat occur when you drink alcohol, coffee, strong tea, or when you exercise or feel emotionally stressed? If possible, take your pulse during an attack to see if the rhythm is regular and whether the frequency is fast or slow. You should also pay attention to the form of onset and relief (such as sudden occurrence, sudden relief, slow occurrence or gradual relief), and whether the attack is paroxysmal or continuous.

In order to determine whether there is an organic disease, the doctor may prescribe some tests. Routine tests include blood routine, thyroid function, blood sugar, electrocardiogram, 24-hour Holter and cardiac ultrasound.

If you have organic diseases (especially heart disease, coronary heart disease, etc.), you need to see a cardiovascular specialist. In addition, diseases such as hyperthyroidism, anemia, hypoglycemia and decreased lung function can also cause the heartbeat to accelerate and speed up, thereby causing palpitations.

If the test results are normal, you can look at physiological causes such as diet, exercise, and emotions:

(1) Negative emotions such as fatigue, stress, anxiety, tension, and panic can also cause rapid heartbeat, sweating, chills, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

(2) When the human body is exercising, under emotional stress, or drinking alcohol, coffee, or tea, the sympathetic nerve activity increases and the heart's contractility strengthens. We will notice an increase in heartbeat, which can cause palpitations, which usually subside after rest. According to your own situation, reduce strenuous exercise, or drink less strong tea and coffee.

(3) Some people experience palpitations when they are at rest, or feel discomfort in their heartbeat when sleeping in the left side lying position. Examination does not reveal any obvious abnormalities. If the patient shows obvious symptoms of anxiety, a psychological assessment should be conducted to determine whether the palpitations are caused by a psychological disorder.

How to take care of yourself:

Maintain a regular work and rest schedule, avoid long hours of overtime and overwork, as your heart needs rest.

Eat a balanced diet, control your weight, drink less coffee or strong tea, and quit smoking and drinking, otherwise it will increase the burden on your heart.

Exercise moderately, but not too intensely, and try to exercise less when you feel tired.

Calm emotions, tension, excitement, anger, anxiety, etc. will accelerate the heartbeat and increase myocardial oxygen consumption.