Heart Palpitations: Are They a Sign of a Healthy Heart?

Heart palpitations, or premature beats, are considered an irregular heart rhythm but do not necessarily indicate the presence of structural heart disease. Whether or not they are cause for concern depends on the frequency of the beats and whether other heart conditions are present. In fact, even individuals with otherwise healthy hearts may experience occasional premature beats.

When Are Palpitations Considered Normal?

If premature heartbeats occur less than 1% of the time over a 24-hour period, they are generally classified as benign or occasional. These types of palpitations typically have no significant impact on overall health and often do not require treatment. However, it's still advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle by avoiding late nights, emotional stress, and stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, tea, and coffee, which can trigger irregular beats.

What If Palpitations Become Frequent?

When premature beats exceed 1% of total heartbeats in a day, they are classified as frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). In such cases, it's important to undergo a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying structural heart disease. If no structural or functional abnormalities are found, frequent premature beats are usually not life-threatening and may not require aggressive treatment.

When Should You Seek Medical Intervention?

However, if the number of premature beats exceeds 5,000 per day or is accompanied by noticeable symptoms such as chest fluttering, dizziness, or fatigue, further evaluation and treatment may be necessary. In such cases, a minimally invasive procedure known as radiofrequency ablation may be recommended. This procedure targets and eliminates the specific area of heart tissue responsible for the abnormal rhythm, offering a potential cure for the condition.