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:

1. thyroid problems
2. abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias
3. atrial fibrillation
4. heart failure, in rare cases

Home Remedies To Relieve Heart Palpitations

The following methods can help to reduce palpitations.

1. Perform Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, may help to reduce palpitations.

It may help to try the following relaxation techniques:

1. meditation
2. deep breathing
3. journaling
4. yoga
5. spending time outdoors
6. exercising
7. taking short breaks from work or school
8. using a method of guided imagery, these are available to purchase online

2. Reduce Or Eliminate Stimulant Intake

Symptoms may become noticeable after using a stimulant.

The following contains stimulants:

1. tobacco products
2. illegal drugs
3. some cold and cough medications
4. caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda
5. appetite suppressants
6. marijuana
7. some mental health drugs
8. 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:

1. holding the breath and pushing down, as if making a bowel movement
2. coughing
3. placing ice or a cold, damp towel on the face for a few seconds
4. gagging
5. splashing cold water on the face
6. chanting “Om”
7. taking a cold shower

Before trying this method consult a doctor, who can advise on the best technique.

4. Keep Electrolytes Balanced

Avocados and bananas are high in potassium.

A person can boost the number of electrolytes in their body by eating foods rich in:

1. sodium
2. potassium
3. calcium
4. magnesium
5. A normal diet usually provides a sufficient source of sodium.
6. The following foods have high potassium contents:
7. potatoes
8. bananas
9. avocados
10. 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.

5. Keep Hydrated

When the body is dehydrated, the heart has to work harder to circulate blood, which can cause heart palpitations.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. The recommended amount will vary, depending on age, sex, and whether a person is pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrusted Source (CDC).

A person should drink a full cup or glass of water when:

1. their urine is dark
2. their heart rate increases
3. they have dry mouth
4. they feel thirsty
5. they have a headache
6. they feel dizzy
7. the skin is dry or pruny

6. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Use

Alcohol is a depressant and does not typically raise the heart rate.

While drinking in moderation is not necessarily problematic, some research indicates that even one drink per day can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. A palpitating heart is just one symptom of this condition.

7. Exercise Regularly

Walking can help to strengthen the heart and reduce palpitations.

Cardiovascular exercise helps to strengthen the heart, which can prevent or reduce palpitations.

Beneficial exercises include:

1. walking
2. jogging
3. running
4. biking
5. swimming

However, exercise may trigger palpitations in some people, and it is important to identify and avoid problematic exercises.

Consult a doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

When To See A Doctor

See a doctor if heart palpitations tend to last longer than a few seconds.

A doctor can determine whether an underlying condition is causing the palpitations.

These conditions commonly include:

1. heart disease
2. thyroid issues
3. anxiety
4. heart failure
5. heart valve disease
6. Other causes of heart palpitations include:
7. exercise
8. stress
9. dehydration
10. illness
11. some medications
12. illegal drug use
13. pregnancy
14. caffeine
15. tobacco use
16. excessive alcohol intake

Some prescription medications can cause heart palpitations. Also, a person who has had a heart attack may be more likely to develop palpitations.

Treatment will depend on the cause. A doctor may recommend the following:

1. surgery
2. medications
3. a pacemaker
4. changing medications that may be causing palpitations.

Takeaway

Heart palpitations are common, and they often last for a few seconds. The tips listed above can help to stop palpitations and reduce their occurrence.

Speak to a doctor if the sensation lasts for longer than a few seconds. This may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.

Sources:

1. Get the facts: Drinking water and intake. (2017, May 12)
   https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/plain-water-the-healthier-choice.html
2. Kienzle, M. G., & Guidici, M. C. (n.d.). Heart palpitations: Frequently asked questions
   https://uihc.org/health-library/heart-palpitations-frequently-asked-questions
3. Larsson, S. C., Drca, N., & Wolk, A. (2014, July). Alcohol consumption and risk of atrial fibrillation: A prospective study and dose-response meta-analysis. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 64(3), 281–289
   http://www.onlinejacc.org/content/64/3/281
4. Staying hydrated – staying healthy. (2015, June 25)
   http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/Staying-Hydrated—Staying-Healthy_UCM_441180_Article.jsp#.WK9yGxIrKlM