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HEALERS CLINIC

INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE • DUBAI

Heart Pounding

Understanding causes, warning signs, and treatment options

Cardiac Cardiac
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What is Heart Pounding?

Heart pounding, also known as palpitations or a pounding heart sensation, is the feeling of your heart beating too hard, too fast, or 'skipping beats.' It can be felt in the chest, neck, or throat and may be occasional or persistent.

Heart pounding is a common symptom that can range from a mild, occasional awareness of your heartbeat to a persistent, uncomfortable sensation. While often harmless, it can sometimes indicate an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention. At Healers Clinic, our integrative approach helps identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Common Causes of Heart Pounding

Heart pounding can originate from cardiac conditions or be triggered by lifestyle factors and other health conditions

Cardiac Causes

  • Arrhythmias

    Irregular heart rhythms including atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, or premature beats

  • Heart Valve Problems

    Mitral valve prolapse or other valve disorders causing abnormal blood flow

  • Heart Failure

    Weakened heart muscle struggling to pump blood effectively

  • Cardiomyopathy

    Disease of the heart muscle affecting its size, shape, and function

  • Coronary Artery Disease

    Narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to the heart muscle

  • High Blood Pressure

    Increased pressure forcing the heart to work harder

  • Pericarditis

    Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart

  • Previous Heart Attack

    Scarring tissue affecting heart electrical signals

Non-Cardiac Causes

  • Stress and Anxiety

    Emotional stress triggering the release of adrenaline

  • Caffeine

    Stimulant in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate

  • Alcohol

    Especially excessive or binge drinking

  • Nicotine

    Tobacco and vaping products affecting heart rate

  • Dehydration

    Electrolyte imbalances affecting heart electrical activity

  • Low Blood Sugar

    Hypoglycemia causing adrenaline release

  • Thyroid Overactivity

    Hyperthyroidism increasing metabolism and heart rate

  • Medications

    Certain asthma inhalers, decongestants, or thyroid medications

  • Exercise

    Intense physical activity temporarily increasing heart rate

  • Fever

    Elevated body temperature increasing heart rate

Warning Signs & Red Flags

These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring immediate attention

Pounding sensation lasting more than several minutes
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or discomfort
Fainting or near-fainting
Rapid heartbeat at rest
Pounding accompanied by anxiety or panic
Feeling of skipped or extra beats

When to Seek Emergency Help

Call emergency services (999 or 112) immediately if you experience any of these symptoms

  • Chest pain or pressure along with pounding
  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Dizziness with blurred vision
  • Rapid heartbeat exceeding 150 beats per minute at rest
  • Pounding lasting more than 5-10 minutes
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating
  • Pain radiating to arm, jaw, or neck

Don't wait. If you think you may be having a heart attack or serious cardiac event, call for emergency help immediately.

How Healers Clinic Can Help

Our integrative approach combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies to address the root cause of your heart pounding

1

Comprehensive Cardiac Diagnostics

ECG, Holter monitoring, event recorder, and echocardiogram to identify the type and cause of heart pounding

2

Integrative Cardiology

Conventional cardiology combined with lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and stress management techniques

3

Heart Rhythm Assessment

Detailed evaluation of heart rhythm patterns to identify arrhythmias or other cardiac issues

4

Lifestyle Modification

Personalized plans for diet, exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol

5

Functional Medicine Assessment

Root cause analysis to identify contributing factors including inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic issues

6

Follow-up & Monitoring

Ongoing care coordination with regular check-ups and preventive cardiac care

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about heart pounding

Is heart pounding dangerous?
Occasional heart pounding from stress, caffeine, or exercise is usually harmless and goes away on its own. However, persistent or recurring pounding, especially with other symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, may indicate an underlying heart condition that requires medical evaluation.
What is the difference between heart pounding and palpitations?
These terms are often used interchangeably. Heart pounding typically refers to a sensation of the heart beating forcefully or rapidly. Palpitations is a broader term that includes any abnormal awareness of the heart beating, whether it's pounding, fluttering, skipping beats, or racing.
Can anxiety cause heart pounding?
Yes, anxiety and panic attacks are common causes of heart pounding. During anxiety, the body releases adrenaline (the 'fight or flight' hormone), which increases heart rate and can cause a forceful, pounding sensation. However, it's important to have persistent symptoms evaluated to rule out cardiac causes.
What tests diagnose the cause of heart pounding?
Diagnosis typically starts with an electrocardiogram (ECG). For intermittent symptoms, a Holter monitor (24-48 hour portable ECG) or event recorder (worn for weeks) may be recommended. Blood tests can check for thyroid or electrolyte problems. An echocardiogram assesses heart structure and function.
How is heart pounding treated at Healers Clinic?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For benign causes, lifestyle modifications (reducing caffeine, alcohol, stress) are often effective. For cardiac causes, medications or procedures may be recommended. Our integrative approach addresses both symptoms and root causes for comprehensive care.
When should I seek emergency care for heart pounding?
Seek emergency care if heart pounding is accompanied by chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness with blurred vision, or if it lasts more than several minutes at rest. These could indicate a serious heart condition requiring immediate treatment.

Concerned About Heart Pounding?

Our experienced cardiac team can help diagnose the cause of your heart pounding and develop a personalized treatment plan. Don't ignore the symptoms - book a consultation today.

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Related Symptoms

Heart Palpitations Heart Fluttering Irregular Heartbeat Fast Heartbeat Chest Pain Dizziness

Healers Clinic | Phone: +971 56 274 1787 | Address: St. 15, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira 2, Dubai, UAE