HEART PALPITATIONS

 

HEART PALPITATIONS are defined as “the feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart. Stress, exercise, medication or, rarely, a medical condition can trigger them. Although heart palpitations can be worrisome, they're usually harmless.”

 

Women may often complain of a heart palpitation or fluttering occurring in the middle of a hot flash. They may also complain of a feeling that their heart is beating at a faster rate than normal with the sensation radiating throughout the chest, giving women a constant awareness of the beating of their heart, which can be unpleasant and distracting.

 

Studies have shown that in menopause the irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations are caused by declining hormone levels—in particular, estrogen—but other causes of non-urgent heart palpitations include caffeine, nicotine, alcohol consumption, stress, certain medications, and exercise. Other causes, not related to hormones, can be thyroid dysfunction, dehydration, low blood pressure, or low blood sugar issues.

 

Heart palpitations in menopause are mostly temporary and not dangerous, but their occurrence can still contribute to worry and stress at this time and if you are concerned seek your local health care professional. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to reduce heart palpitations.