Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat -- when should I see a doctor?
Palpitations are usually harmless, but can also be the beginning of a serious cardiac arrhythmia. If you also experience dizziness, chest pain or a clearly irregular heartbeat, see your GP rather than waiting.
Heart palpitations are common and usually have an innocent cause. Stress, too much caffeine, lack of sleep or psychological tension can all be behind them. That said, an irregular heartbeat can sometimes be the first sign of a serious cardiac arrhythmia or structural heart disease, so ignoring it completely is not wise.
So when should you actually see a doctor? In any case if the palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, a feeling of faintness, shortness of breath or chest pain. Also if you notice that your heart is genuinely beating irregularly (not just fast, but also 'skipping' or feeling chaotic), or if the symptoms recur regularly, a visit to your GP is appropriate. One in five people wait too long before seeking medical help, including for heart complaints. That is risky, because a condition diagnosed in time is easier to treat.
A special situation is atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heartbeat that can occur in episodes. Palpitations are the most commonly reported symptom of this condition. Left untreated, atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of stroke. This makes a prompt diagnosis particularly important in these cases.
Are you an athlete and do you regularly experience palpitations during or after exercise? Always have this checked. In athletes, palpitations can be an indication of an underlying heart condition that would not surface with an ordinary healthy lifestyle. Using an electrocardiogram (ECG) and any additional tests, your doctor can assess relatively quickly whether something is wrong.
If no heart problem turns out to be present, a psychological background such as anxiety or chronic stress is a serious possibility. That cause is very treatable, but a doctor must first rule out a heart problem before you pursue that direction.
Based on diagnostic guideline literature, an observational study on atrial fibrillation, sports medicine literature and population research. No intervention RCTs are available for this diagnostic question; strength of evidence is 'moderate' for the signal value of symptoms and the severity of possible underlying conditions.
How often should I measure my blood pressure at home, and what is normal?
Measuring at home gives a more reliable picture than a single reading at the doctor's office: measure at least seven days, twice a day, and use 135/85 mmHg as the upper limit of normal. Fluctuations and consistently elevated values are just as important as the average.
What does my CRP value (inflammation) say about my heart?
A high hsCRP value points to chronic inflammation and predicts a clearly elevated long-term risk of cardiovascular problems, even more strongly than well-known cholesterol values. It is an independent risk factor that deserves serious attention.
Does my heart rate variability (HRV) tell me anything about my health?
A higher HRV is associated with better health and greater resilience. Slow breathing is the most accessible and best-supported way to work on that yourself.
Should I take statins if I have (not yet) had a heart problem?
Whether statins are worthwhile depends on your personal risk. At a calculated 10-year risk of 10% or higher and at least one risk factor, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking, major guidelines recommend statins for people aged 40 to 75.
Does climbing stairs actually do anything for my heart?
Yes, climbing stairs genuinely does something for your heart. Climbing roughly 50 to 100 steps a day is associated with fewer heart attacks, strokes and irregular heart rhythms, though this is based on observational studies, not experiments.
Does your resting heart rate say anything about how fast you are ageing?
A structurally high resting heart rate, certainly above 80 to 90 beats per minute, is associated with a clearly higher risk of premature death. Exercising to lower your resting heart rate is worthwhile, but a very low heart rate at an older age is not always a good sign: if in doubt, discuss it with your doctor.