Strong heart palpitations at rest: when to pay attention and seek a doctor?

Perception of heart palpitations at falling asleep and during the day: where is it manifested?

Patients most often feel palpitations:

• from the spine in the chest area (behind the sternum),
• but also a feeling of palpitations in the neck or carotid artery, or even in the ear,
• sometimes even in the abdomen, especially when breathing deeply or after exertion (note that nocturnal palpitations and rapid heartbeats at rest are also common)

Heart palpitations are not trivial. Whether you are troubled by palpitations when lying on your side, during any activity or after stressful situations, listen to your body and come to us in time.

Why go to ATODA Medical?

• Quick appointment without a long wait
• Modern diagnostic technology and approaches
• Individual approach and consistent communication with the patient
• A team of experienced internists, top cardiology and general practitioners
• Combination of examinations within one day

Possible symptoms and manifestations such as sudden heart palpitations at night

Heart palpitations can be accompanied by other unpleasant manifestations:

• Feeling pressure or pain in the chest
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or weakness
• Feeling anxious
• Fainting or feeling faint

When you are bothered by palpitations when lying down, why is it important to go to the doctor?

Heart palpitations can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a heart rhythm disorder, thyroid disease, heart failure or coronary artery disease. Without an early diagnosis, it can lead to:

• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Loss of consciousness and falls
• Chronic heart damage

The earlier the disorder is detected, the greater the chance of effective treatment and a normal life without limitations.

What can frequent heart palpitations trigger?

The most common causes of palpitations in children and adults include:

• Sudden heart palpitations from stress, anxiety, panic attacks
• Physical exertion
• Heart palpitations after eating
• Rapid heartbeat after coffee, nicotine, palpitations after alcohol, energy drinks
• Certain medications (e.g. for asthma, depression or thyroid)
• Fever, dehydration
• Hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy, menopause)
• Electrolyte disorders (sodium, potassium, magnesium)

Types of heart rhythm disorders

Heart palpitations can be a sign of various arrhythmias:

• Sinus tachycardia - rapid but regular heartbeat (often due to stress or fever)
• Atrial fibrillation - a very frequent, irregular heartbeat associated with a higher risk of stroke
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) - sudden increase in heart rate
• Ventricular extrasystoles - a "skipping" of the heartbeat, a sensation of a dropped heart rhythm
• Bradycardia - slow heart rate (can also be a risk)