Ever Wondered Why Your Heart Beats Fast Suddenly For a Few Seconds? Read Ahead to Find Out

It's a common yet uncomfortable sensation when the heart beats rapidly for a second or two and then becomes normal. Whether it occurs when one is resting, after going up the stairs, or even while being excited, these brief episodes of rapid heart beating can be frightening. Most of the time, the occurrence is not a cause for alarm, but knowing why they happen makes it easier to know when it could be an indicator of something worse.

So, the editorial team of Olymyhealth reached out to our expert, Dr Shailesh Singh, Associate Consultant, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, New Delhi, explained to us why the heart beats fast suddenly for a few seconds, and what we can do about it. Here is what he shared with us.

Common Reasons for Sudden Fast Heartbeats

Sudden rapid heartbeat, also referred to as palpitations, happens when the heart beats faster than usual for a short time. The heart is very sensitive to both internal and external stimuli, and as per Dr Singh, the following are some of the common reasons:

1. Stress and Anxiety

Emotional distress, anxiety attack, or panic may lead to the release of adrenaline, the fight or flight hormone. The chemical rush accelerates the heartbeat temporarily despite lack of physical activity.

Also read: Expert Shares What To Do When Your Heart Feels Heavy?

2. Caffeine or Stimulants

Heavy consumption of coffee, energy drinks, or some medications with a stimulant (such as decongestants or asthma medication) can result in a few seconds' racing heart.

3. Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

Low levels of potassium and magnesium can interfere with the heart's electrical conductivity and produce a fleeting flutter or rapid rhythm.

4. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can make the heart more irritable to abnormal beats.

5. Sudden Movement or Postural Changes

Sudden change from sitting or lying down to standing may briefly disturb blood pressure and circulation and cause a fleeting rapid heartbeat.

6. Physical Exertion or Exercise

An elevated heart rate is a normal physiological response during physical activity. However, sometimes, the heartbeat may remain rapid for a few seconds after the exertion ends, especially in those who are deconditioned or fatigued.

Also Read: What Is The Best Sleeping Position To Avoid Lower Back Pain? Expert Shares

Warning Signs of Sudden Fast Heartbeats

“While occasional, short-lived palpitations are usually harmless, frequent or prolonged episodes may signal an underlying heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia),” Dr Singh noted. Warning signs that warrant medical evaluation include:

• Recurring racing heartbeat that lasts longer than a few minutes
• Lightheadedness, fainting, or pain in the chest
• Shortness of breath or tiredness
• Irregular or missed beats with discomfort

These signs can be indicative of conditions like atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or thyroid dysfunction.

Preventing and Managing Sudden Fast Heartbeats

Minor lifestyle changes usually assist in decreasing the frequency of these episodes. Here are some expert-approved ways you can try:

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine: Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine are stimulants that boost heart rate and cause palpitations.
• Stay hydrated: Drink enough water and add electrolyte-rich foods to the diet.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can be used to soothe the nervous system and normalise heart rhythm.
• Get enough rest: Sleep deprivation raises stress hormones and raises the risk of palpitations.
• Check medications: Some prescription or over-the-counter medications can cause palpitations as a side effect, talking to a doctor can help find safer alternatives.

Bottomline

A brief rapid heart rate for a few seconds often happens as the body's normal response to stress, exercise, or hormonal changes. Frequent or recurring instances should not be left unnoticed since they could be indicating an underlying rhythm abnormality of the heart.