In this article, we will learn about the most important information related to heart palpitations, the most important of which is: When is heart palpitations dangerous?
Heart palpitations, or what is also called tachycardia, is one of the most common symptoms that may cause anxiety and stress for its owner, and in this article we will answer the question of when is heart palpitations dangerous? And how can it be mitigated?
When is heart palpitations dangerous?
Heart palpitations is a pathological condition in which the number of heartbeats is at a rate of 100 beats per minute, and if this palpitation continues for a period of time estimated at about 30 seconds or more.
The emergency department should be reviewed; This is because this palpitation does not give the heart enough time to fill its chambers with blood before contracting again, which may affect the blood flow to the rest of the body's organs, and thus risk to life.
In addition to heart palpitations, there are some other symptoms that may accompany it and that require a visit to the doctor as soon as possible, which are:
- Difficulty and shortness of breath .
- fainting.
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- Chest pain for a few minutes.
What are the complications of continuing heart palpitations?
Before mentioning any complications, it should be noted that the occurrence of any of them depends on several factors, namely:
- The intensity and duration of the tachycardia .
- The type of tachycardia.
- The person's health status.
- Any other heart disease.
The most common complications are:
- Blood clots: These clots may increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
- Heart failure: If heart palpitations are not treated, it may overburden the heart muscle, and thus muscle failure.
- Fainting: A person with heart palpitations may faint, which increases the risk of falls and serious injuries.
- Sudden death: Its risk increases with tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
What is a normal heart rate?
The normal heart rate varies depending on age, as the normal rate for children between the age of 6-15 years is estimated at about 70-100 beats per minute, while for adults over 18 years old it is estimated at about 60-100 beats per minute.
But there is an upper limit for the heart rate that can be reached when exerting an effort and it can be calculated by a simple equation, which is:
(220 - person's age = expected highest heart rate)
For example, if a person is 40 years old, the expected maximum heart rate for exertion is 180 beats per minute; This is according to the previous equation.
How can the heart rate be measured?
According to Harvard Medical School, the heartbeat can be calculated using the fingers only, either from the wrist or from the neck area, and this helps to know the patient's condition and determine its severity. As for the methods, they are as follows:
- Wrist area: Gently apply pressure with the index and middle fingers on the opposite wrist, just below the base of the thumb.N
- eck area: Gently apply pressure to the side of the neck, just below the jawbone.B
- oth methods: the heartbeat is counted within 15 seconds and then multiplied by four, in this way the patient knows his heart rate.
What are the causes of heart palpitations?
Heart palpitations occur due to a defect in the natural electrical impulses that control the rate of the beat, and there are many reasons that may cause this defect, including:
- Anemia.
- Consume large amounts of caffeinated beverages .
- Drinking alcoholic beverages.
- High temperature.
- Low or high blood pressure .
- An imbalance of some elements that play a role in the conduction of electrical impulses.
- Side effects of some medications.
- hyperthyroidism;
- smoking.
- Experiencing stress or feeling afraid.
- Taking certain stimulant drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine.
How can you deal with heart palpitations?
It is agreed that the treatment of heart palpitations is usually based on several factors, namely: the cause, the age of the patient, and his medical condition.
The goal of treatment is to slow the heart rate and reduce the chance of any complications, in addition to trying to reduce the chances of heart palpitations again in the future, and it is worth mentioning here that the treatment is only under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
In emergency cases, some practices that may reduce heart palpitations for a moment, but they do not dispense with consulting a doctor, are:
- pressure on the abdomen;
- Wash the patient's face with cold water .
- Light pressure on the carotid artery in the neck area.
- Light pressure on the eyeballs while they are closed.
- Close the nostrils and ask the patient to blow while they are closed.
Can heart palpitations be prevented?
The best way to prevent heart palpitations is to maintain its health and reduce the risk of heart disease, and if a person already has heart disease, he must continue treatment and adhere to it.
Here are some measures that help prevent heart palpitations:
- Exercising and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol level and maintaining it within the normal range.
- Stay away from smoking.
- Stay away from alcoholic beverages, stimulants and narcotic drugs.
- Use over-the-counter medicines with caution, especially cold and cough medicines, as they may cause heart palpitations.
- Reduce your intake of caffeinated drinks.
- Stay away from sources of stress.
- Do regular checkups.