Page 107 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: CHEST AND ABDOMINAL PROBLEMS 105

Palpitations

If you have palpitations you are suddenly aware of your heartbeat,
WARNING
which may feel normal, fast, or irregular. This is a common problem.
Causes include exercise, excitement, stress, anxiety, and stimulants Seek immediate medical help if:
such as caffeine and nicotine. Palpitations usually occur with no ● You have palpitations and are
sweaty, short of breath, have chest
other symptoms and last for a few seconds or minutes. They are
pain, or feel dizzy or faint
normally harmless, but may be a cause for concern if they occur ● You suffer from an existing
without obvious cause or with other symptoms, or are prolonged. heart condition
See also Panic attacks, p.24.

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TIPS
Arrange to see your doctor urgently if you
have a prolonged episode of palpitations Drinking less caffeine Drinks containing
and/or frequent missed heartbeats. caffeine include coffee, tea, and cola. Reduce your
intake to 2 cups a day or less, but cut down gradually;
if you do it too rapidly, you may get headaches.
What you can do yourself ● Have drinks that are lower in caffeine. For example,
have decaffeinated coffee, or instant coffee (which
If you experience occasional palpitations, try the has half as much caffeine as freshly brewed coffee).
following to help identify and deal with the cause. ● Make coffee using half regular and half
decaffeinated coffee.
● Keep a diary, noting when you have palpitations
● If you drink tea, brew it for less time than normal.
and any food or drink, exercise, stress, or other ● Drink caffeine-free drinks such as water, fruit juice,
possible triggers that you have at the same time. and herbal tea.
● Check soft drink labels. Some colas, citrus-flavored
● If you are feeling stressed, try practicing some
drinks, and energy drinks have high levels of
deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises
caffeine. Avoid diet drinks that contain the artificial
(see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES, pp.20–21).
sweetener aspartame as it may cause palpitations
● Try to get plenty of sleep. Exhaustion from lack in some people.
of sleep can cause or aggravate palpitations.
● Reduce your intake of drinks containing caffeine
(see PRACTICAL TIPS, right). Avoid using over-the-
counter stimulant pills containing caffeine. Seek further medical advice
● Before using cough or cold remedies, check the Arrange to see your doctor if:
labels carefully. Some contain decongestant drugs ● You have recurrent episodes of palpitations
that can cause palpitations. despite trying to cut out possible triggers
● Reduce your intake of alcohol; excessive drinking ● You develop other symptoms, such as
is a common cause of palpitations. weight loss or fatigue
● Try to give up smoking, since nicotine can speed
up your heartbeat and lead to palpitations.
● Don’t take illegal stimulants such as solvents,
amphetamines, or cocaine, because all of these
substances can cause palpitations.