Heart
palpitations can cause a sensation of a pounding heart or a racing pulse.
Palpitations can also feel like a fluttering feeling in the chest or like the
heart has skipped a beat. While medical attention may be necessary, some home
remedies can help to stop palpitations.
Lifestyle
factors can cause heart palpitations. Less frequently, an underlying medical
condition is responsible. Palpitations can result from the following
conditions, and they require a doctor's care:
- thyroid problems
-
- abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias
-
- atrial fibrillation
-
- heart failure, in rare cases
Home remedies
to relieve heart palpitations
The following
methods can help to reduce palpitations.
1. Perform
relaxation techniques
Stress can have many ill
effects on a person's health. It can induce palpitations or make them worse.
It may help
to try the following relaxation techniques:
- meditation
-
- deep breathing
-
- journaling
-
- yoga
-
- spending time outdoors
-
- exercising
-
- taking short breaks from work or school
-
- using a method of guided imagery
2. Reduce or
eliminate stimulant intake
Symptoms may
become noticeable after using a stimulant.
The following
contain stimulants:
- tobacco products
-
- illegal drugs
-
- some cold and cough medications
-
- caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda
-
- appetite suppressants
-
- marijuana
-
- some mental health drugs
-
- some high blood pressure medications
Not all
stimulants will cause palpitations in everyone.
3. Stimulate
the vagus nerve
The vagus
nerve connects the brain to the heart, and stimulating it can help to calm
palpitations. A person can do so by:
- holding the breath and pushing down, as if making a bowel movement
-
- coughing
-
- placing ice or a cold, damp towel on the face for a few seconds
-
- gagging
-
- splashing cold water on the face
-
- chanting "Om"
-
- taking a cold shower
Before trying
this method consult a doctor, who can advise on the best technique.
4. Keep
electrolytes balanced
Electrolytes
are molecules found throughout the body that help to transfer electrical
signals. These signals play a significant role in regulating the heart rate.
A person can
boost the number of electrolytes in their body by eating foods rich in:
- sodium
-
- potassium
-
- calcium
-
- magnesium
A normal diet
usually provides a sufficient source of sodium.
The following
foods have high potassium contents:
- potatoes
-
- bananas
-
- avocados
-
- spinach
Dairy
products and dark, leafy greens are rich in calcium. Magnesium is also found in
these vegetables, as well as in nuts and fish.
It may be
tempting to attain these nutrients by taking supplements. A person should
consult a doctor before trying any supplements, particularly if they are also
taking prescription medication.
Source: Medical News Today.
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