Palpitations is the medical term for irregular heart beats, too strong or has an abnormal speed. In general, people do not realize their heart rate. During normal healthy heart walking heart rate, we do not feel the heartbeat in the routine of everyday life. When the heart is beating too fast or irregular, there is an uncomfortable feeling.
Normal heart rate at rest ranges between 60-100 times per minute. Highly trained athletes have resting heart rate 30-40 per minute and those who exercise have less heart rate 80 per minute. Average heart rate was 70 per minute.
Heart palpitations usually lasts only a few minutes, but in some cases can take hours or days. Some people have palpitations a few times a day, others may only occasionally.
Cause
The cause palpitations are very diverse, including:
* Heart disease. Most people who experience palpitations do not have heart disease. Fraction palpitations caused by cardiac rhythm disorders (arhythmias). Atrial fibrillation, the heart rhythm disorder that involves both sides of the auricle is one problem that causes heart palpitations. A condition called paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (ATP) also causes the heart to beat faster (often twice the normal speed). It is associated with impaired electrical conduction between heart chambers that lasted for several seconds or minutes before returning to normal. Other heart problems such as leaking valves, coronary heart disease, etc. can also cause palpitations.
* The influence of emotions: emotional responses to stress and emotional events.
* Physical activity: doing intense physical activity exceeds the ability
* Anemia: anemia causes the heart muscle of oxygen supply shortages.
* Lack of magnesium and potassium.
* Food: heavy smoking, drinking alcohol, excessive caffeine (from tea, coffee or cola drinks), preservative, flavoring and coloring certain foods, and some medications (such as asthma medications).
* Problem hormones: excessive thyroid hormone production or increase various hormones in pregnant women.
* Tumors of the adrenal glands.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually based on the patient's medical history. Examination performed by a doctor depending on lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.), age, weight and other facts that exist in addition to heart palpitations.
The doctor will record your heart rate, blood pressure and control your breathing. Blood tests can measure levels of thyroid hormones, hemoglobin, potassium, magnesium and medicines that may cause heart palpitations.
In almost all cases, palpitations may be confirmed by ECG, but only to a complaint that was going on. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded electrical activity of the heart muscle. The heart's electrical voltage is measured at a range of millivolts, so that the equipment is very sensitive. Holter monitor (portable EKG machine that monitors heart rate for 24 hours), exercise stress tests and coronary artery test can help check palpitations caused heart problems.
The doctor may also need to know your sensitivities to certain foods and allergies, thyroid function tests, etc..
Treatment
Palpitations are not associated with specific health problems usually do not require treatment. There are drugs that can reduce the palpitations, but generally only necessary if palpitations are caused by the disease.
Tips for you
* When you feel your heart pounding, it is best to try to relax and not panic. Stop doing the activities and take a deep breath. Light walking may help.
* Reduce physical stress and emotional stress
* Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
* Reduce your intake of caffeine.
* Be wary of sensitive foods and avoid preservatives and food coloring if possible.
* Replace your medication that may cause palpitations.
* Make sure you are sufficient magnesium. Magnesium deficiency causes a faster heart rate. Magnesium is found in dark green leafy vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, bananas, apples, and dairy and wheat products.
* Ensure a balance of sodium and potassium. Both of these minerals play an important role in the proper transmission of nerve impulses in the muscles, including cardiac muscle. Too much of one mineral deficiencies that led to another, so that people who eat lots of salt greater risk of heart palpitations. People usually get more than enough sodium (salt form) through food. Therefore, more important is to ensure adequate potassium. Potassium found in fruits such as oranges and bananas, sunflower seeds, cereals, breads and potatoes.
* Expand to eat garlic and Seed. Garlic and Black Seed helps strengthen the heart and blood vessels.
