New Insights into Heart Palpitations: Study on Hibernators Offers Human Health Clues
Researchers have shed light on heart palpitations, with a study by Sylvain Giroud from the Veterinary Medical University Vienna published in PLoS ONE in 2013. This study focused on heart rate regulation in hibernators, offering insights into human heart conditions.
Heart palpitations, a sensation of an irregular heartbeat, can be caused by various factors. Common triggers include stress and stimulants like caffeine or nicotine. While not all palpitations are abnormal, persistent or severe ones may indicate an arrhythmia, a heart rate that deviates from normal.
To monitor heart palpitations, healthcare providers may use an ambulatory monitor. This wearable device records the electrical activity in the heart during an episode. If palpitations last longer than a few minutes or are accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or fainting, immediate medical attention is crucial.
A heart rate above 110 beats per minute during palpitations can be a red flag. In older adults, sudden onset of heart palpitations may signal atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm in the upper chambers of the heart. An electrocardiogram (EKG), a non-invasive test, can help diagnose such conditions by examining the heart's electrical conduction in its resting state.
Heart palpitations, though not always serious, warrant careful attention. Understanding their causes and seeking timely medical evaluation can help ensure heart health. Research, such as Giroud's study on hibernators, continues to enhance our knowledge of heart conditions.
