Heart Palpitations: Are They Life-Threatening?

Heart palpitations are a subjective sensation experienced by individuals, often described as a feeling of the heart racing, fluttering, or pounding. When someone experiences palpitations, it is advisable to visit a hospital for an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart activity. In many cases, if the ECG reveals a simple condition like sinus tachycardia or occasional atrial or ventricular arrhythmias, the situation is generally not life-threatening.

When Palpitations Can Be Dangerous

However, heart palpitations can be a sign of a more serious condition, especially when associated with acute events like a myocardial infarction (heart attack). For example, in a coronary care unit (CCU), patients who exhibit frequent ventricular premature contractions—defined as more than five premature beats per minute—require immediate medical attention to prevent complications.

Palpitations in Healthy Individuals

Common Triggers

For individuals without underlying heart disease, palpitations are often caused by stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, or sudden fright. These temporary episodes, while uncomfortable, are typically harmless and do not pose a risk to one's health.

Recommended Diagnostic Procedures

If someone experiences recurrent or unexplained heart palpitations, it is important to undergo objective medical evaluations. These may include an ECG, echocardiogram, and specific blood tests, such as thyroid function tests, to rule out any structural or hormonal abnormalities that could be contributing to the symptoms.

Conclusion

In summary, while the sensation of heart palpitations alone is not necessarily an indicator of danger, it should not be ignored. A thorough medical evaluation is essential to determine whether the palpitations are benign or linked to a more serious cardiac condition. Only after reviewing the objective findings from diagnostic tests can a proper assessment of risk be made.