Why does my heart skip a beat?

Have you ever felt like your heart skipped a beat? This sensation, known as a heart palpitation, can be startling. Knowing the reasons for this feeling may help you determine if it’s the result of a more serious health issue.

What is a skipped heartbeat?

A skipped heartbeat, or heart palpitation, occurs when the heart beats irregularly. Normally, the heart beats in a regular rhythm with a well-coordinated electrical signal going from the upper chambers to the lower chambers. This allows blood to be pumped efficiently throughout the body. However, during a palpitation, the heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. This can feel like a fluttering, pounding, or a brief pause in your chest.

Common causes of skipped heartbeats

Recognizing when and how you feel your heart skip a beat can help you determine possible reasons for the palpitation.

Lifestyle triggers

Certain lifestyle factors can trigger heart palpitations. These include:

• Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can cause the release of adrenaline, which can lead to palpitations.
• Caffeine and alcohol: High intake of caffeine or alcohol can stimulate the heart and cause irregular beats.
• Nicotine: Smoking or using nicotine products can also lead to heart palpitations.
• Exercise: Intense physical activity can sometimes cause the heart to beat irregularly.

Medical conditions

Several medical conditions can cause heart palpitations, including:

• Arrhythmias: These are disorders of the heart's rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
• Thyroid issues: An overactive or underactive thyroid can affect heart rhythm.
• Heart disease: Conditions like coronary artery disease or heart failure can lead to palpitations.

Medications

Certain medications can cause heart palpitations as a side effect. These include:

• Asthma inhalers: Some inhalers contain stimulants that can affect heart rhythm.
• Decongestants: Over-the-counter cold medications can contain ingredients that stimulate the heart.
• Diet pills: Some weight loss medications can cause palpitations.

Additional influences

Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, menstruation or andropause, can also lead to heart palpitations.

What a skipped heartbeat feels like

When your heart skips a beat, you might feel:

• fluttering in your chest
• pounding or racing heart
• brief pause followed by a strong beat

These sensations can be alarming, but they are often harmless.

What might be mistaken for a skipped heartbeat

Sometimes, other conditions can mimic the feeling of a skipped heartbeat, such as:

• Muscle spasms: Chest muscle spasms can feel like heart palpitations.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can cause sensations that mimic heart palpitations.

When a skipped heartbeat may be more serious

While most heart palpitations are harmless, they can sometimes indicate a more serious condition. You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Frequent palpitations: If they occur often or worsen over time.
• Dizziness or fainting: These symptoms can indicate a serious heart condition.
• Chest pain: This could be a sign of a heart attack.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing can be a sign of heart failure.

Managing and preventing skipped heartbeats

Once you understand the type of heart palpitations you’re experiencing and why, there are a number of ways to gain control of them.

Lifestyle changes

To reduce the occurrence of heart palpitations, consider:

• Reducing stress: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol: Cut back on stimulants that can affect your heart. Make sure to read energy drink labels and pay attention to drinks that market themselves as containing natural caffeine.
• Quitting smoking: Avoid nicotine products.

Self-care

• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can affect heart rhythm. 
• Maintain a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet to support heart health.

Medical treatments

If lifestyle changes and self-care are not enough, your primary care physician may refer you to a cardiologist who may recommend:

• Wearable monitoring device: To assess the type and frequency of the rhythm disturbance.
• Medications: To control heart rhythm.
• Procedures: Such as ablation to correct arrhythmias.

Understanding why your heart skips a beat can help you manage and prevent these episodes. If you have concerns, always consult with a health care professional to ensure your heart stays healthy.