The sensation of your heart fluttering, often described as heart palpitations, can feel like your heart is skipping beats, pounding, racing, or doing a little dance in your chest. This sensation occurs due to irregular heartbeats or disruptions in the heart's normal rhythm. Common causes of heart fluttering include:
- Stress and anxiety, which can trigger the release of adrenaline and increase heart rate.
- Consumption of stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol.
- Dehydration, low potassium, low blood sugar, or electrolyte imbalances.
- Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Physical exertion or standing up too quickly.
- Certain medications or medical conditions including atrial fibrillation or other heart arrhythmias.
- Less commonly, heart fluttering can arise from heart conditions like coronary artery disease or atrial flutter.
Usually, the sensation is benign and short-lived, but if it lasts longer than a few minutes, worsens, or is accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting, it is important to seek medical evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment can manage many cases effectively, especially if caused by an underlying arrhythmia.