How to Stop Heart Palpitation?

Heart palpitation is a sensation of the pounding of the heart or racing pulse with a feeling of fluttering in the chest. There is a sensation of the heart skipping a beat. This condition may require medical attention.

There are certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors that may lead to heart palpitation. ^{(1, 2)} Sometimes there are certain conditions that may cause palpitation and may need a doctor’s attention. The conditions include:

• Thyroid problem
• Heart failure
• Atrial fibrillation
• Abnormal heart rhythms

There are a few home remedies that can be helpful in giving relief from heart palpitations.

Stress can lead to many ill effects on human health. It can cause palpitation and even make them worse.

There are a few relaxation techniques that can be helpful in such conditions:

• Deep breathing
• Exercising
• Yoga
• Journaling
• Meditation
• Taking short breaks from work
• Spending time outdoors

Relaxation techniques can be helpful in releasing stress and anxiety and also palpitations. ⁽³⁾

Sometimes a person notices palpitation after taking stimulants. Then there is a need to reduce or stop the intake.

The stimulants are:

• Tobacco
• Marijuana
• Illegal drugs
• Appetite suppressants
• Cold and cough medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Mental health drugs
• Caffeinated drinks including tea, coffee, and soda

It is not that stimulants cause palpitations in all. It’s just that if someone has it because of them, they can consider reducing the intake.

The vagus nerve connects the brain to the heart and stimulating it can help reduce palpitations. ⁽⁴⁾

The vagus nerve can be stimulated by:

• Coughing
• Gagging
• Holding breath and pushing down
• Chanting ‘Om’ ⁽⁷⁾
• Taking cold shower
• Placing ice or cold damp towel on face for a few seconds

It is best to take advice from a doctor who can tell the best technique to do so.

Electrolytes play a role in transferring electric signals and also regulating heart rate. ⁽⁵⁾

Eating food rich in sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium can help in boosting the electrolyte in the body.

Foods rich in potassium include bananas, potatoes, avocados, and spinach. Dairy products and leafy greens are known to be rich in calcium. Vegetables, nuts, and shells are rich in magnesium.

Increasing such foods in the diet can be helpful in maintaining the electrolyte balance

In a dehydrated body, the heart works harder to circulate blood and this can lead to palpitations. ⁽⁶⁾

Keeping the body hydrated by drinking plenty of water can be helpful. Also, a person should consider drinking water under the following condition:

• Dark urine
• Increase in heart rate
• Dizziness
• Feeling thirsty
• If having headache
• If the skin is dry

Alcohol does not increase the heart rate. If a person drinks in moderation, it is not a problem. But, research shows that even one drink a day can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, and heart palpitation is one of its symptoms. ⁽¹⁾

Exercise can be helpful in improving overall health. It is also known to play a role in reducing stress and anxiety. Cardiovascular exercises can strengthen exercise and prevent palpitations. These exercises include:

• Jogging
• Swimming
• Biking
• Walking
• Running

Exercises can also trigger palpitations in some people. Therefore, it is important to identify triggers and avoid problematic exercises.

If the palpitation lasts longer than a few seconds, a doctor should be consulted. He can determine the underlying condition and an appropriate solution. A few conditions that can lead to heart palpitations include:

• Anxiety
• Thyroid issues
• Heart disease
• Heart-valve disease
• Heart failure

A few other causes of palpitations include:

• Illness
• Dehydration
• Illegal drugs usage
• Certain medication
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Tobacco use
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Exercise

The treatment given by the doctor for palpitations depends on the cause. Even some prescription medications lead to palpitations. In such a case, either the dose is adjusted or medication is stopped. A few treatments recommended by the doctor according to the cause include:

• Pacemaker
• Surgery
• Medication
• Changing medication causing palpitation