Palpitations can be caused by various factors, ranging from benign lifestyle habits to more serious medical conditions. Here are the main causes of palpitations:
## Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
- Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks[2][3]
- Caffeine consumption[2][3]
- Nicotine use[2][3]
- Strenuous exercise[2][4]
- Alcohol consumption[2][3]
- Certain stimulant drugs (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)[2][3]
- Diet pills[2][3]
## Medical Conditions
**Cardiac causes:**
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)[1]
- Structural heart abnormalities[1]
- Heart disease[2][3]
- Abnormal heart valves (e.g., mitral valve prolapse)[2][3]
**Non-cardiac causes:**
- Hormonal changes (e.g., during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause)[3][5]
- Thyroid disorders (overactive or underactive thyroid)[3][4]
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium levels)[2][3]
- Anemia[1]
- Fever[2][3]
- Low blood oxygen levels[3]
## Medications
- Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine[2][3]
- Asthma medications[2][3]
- Some blood pressure and heart medications[2][3]
- Withdrawal from beta-blockers[1]
## Other Factors
- Pregnancy[4]
- Certain psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, generalized anxiety disorder)[1]
It's important to note that in many cases, the exact cause of palpitations may not be identified[4]. If palpitations are frequent, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436016/
[2] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/heart-palpitations
[3] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003081.htm
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/symptoms-causes/syc-20373196
[5] https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/ss/slideshow-heart-palpitations-causes
[6] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/palpitations
[7] https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/what-causes-heart-palpitations
[8] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-palpitations/