Palpitations :
Palpitations is a heart condition in which the heart feels like it is racing, pounding, missing heartbeats or having an extra beat. The major causative factors of palpitations include emotions such as anxiety, stress, fear and panic, caffeine, exercise, pregnancy, overactive thyroid, low levels of sugar, potassium or oxygen, low carbon dioxide in the blood, fever, anemia, blood loss, dehydration, certain medications, recreational drugs like cocaine, nicotine and alcohol. Palpitations usually occur at night, after eating, during pregnancy, or with anxiety. There are several tests like blood tests, urine tests, echocardiogram, ECG, holter monitor, stress test, electrophysiology study, and cardiac catheterization, that help in evaluating this condition. To manage palpitations, the treatment plan depends on the factor causing it, and this condition can be prevented by taking measures like reducing stress levels with deep breathing, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption in the diet, exercising on a regular basis, controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, and avoiding activities that act as triggers.







