Can palpitations occur due to stress?

Question

Hello doctor,

I felt my heartbeat in my right shoulder blade for about 30 minutes, and this concerned me. Is this related to my heart or stress? Over the past three months, I have had several EKGs, an echocardiogram, and a stress test, all of which were normal. Today, I experienced a new and strange sensation while sitting down. My heart was beating fast for about 25 to 30 minutes, and I felt it in my right shoulder blade and upper right chest.

Please do not overlook this because I am a young female. What could this be? Is it anxiety, stress, or something heart-related? I am 40 years old.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The pounding or racing heart rate you are experiencing is known as palpitations, which is the awareness of one's own heartbeat. They are usually not serious and tend to go away on their own. Palpitations may occur during physical or emotional exertion, anxiety, or due to stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol. However, if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting (syncope), you should seek medical attention and evaluation. Some possible causes include anxiety, physical exertion, heavy meals, alcohol, coffee, smoking, medications (such as those for cough or asthma), fever, dehydration, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac failure, and more.

Please provide more details about your history: Is the palpitations spontaneous or occurring during exertion? Do they happen after any specific activity? Are they fast, regular, or irregular? How many times a day do they occur? Are they associated with chest pain, breathlessness, or dizziness?

Regards.