Arrhythmia and Heart Paliptations
Ever felt like your heart was skipping a beat? A lot of us have from time
to time. Interestingly enough, arrhythmias can result from a rapid heart
rate (tachyarrhythmias) or slowed heart rate
(bradyarrhythmias).
So is a heart palpitation, or arrythmia, a big deal? It is definitely something
that you don't want to play around with as it can be a sign of serious
conditions such as heart disease, thyroid problems, anemia and changes in the heart muscle itself.
Better safe than sorry when it comes to the organ that is supplying oxygen and
nutrients to the brain, don't you think? Plus, arrythmias are associated with long term health issues such as
stroke and
mortality, i.e. death. [1]
There are many root causes of arrythmias and it is a very involved subject of
cardiology. However, I want to mention some of the root causes of heart
palpitations:
1. Minoxidil (Rogaine). Minoxidil, the common hair loss formulation
for men, has a fairly common side effect of arrthymia and can actually change
the heart. See my link on
Hair Loss for
details.
2. Caffeine. Heart palpitations can occur in people sensitive to
caffeine. If you're one of them, I would still recommend decaf green tea
because of the many health benefits.
3. Nicotine and Alcohol. Both of these are risk factors for
arrhythmias.
4. Drugs and Supplements. You should be suspicious of almost all
drugs and supplements. Yes, even supplements can zap you, especially those
with ephedrine. [2]
5. Noradrenaline and Viagra. Anything that increases noradrenaline can increase the
risk of an arrhythmia. These include yohimbe, popular in many supplements,
and Viagra. [3]
4. Stress, Sleep and Cortisol. Stress is a well-accepted
arrhythmia-inducer. One study of women with breast cancer found that better
sleep improved their cortisol response and, seemingly, reduced arrhythmias on
average. [5] Researcher in India found a direct correlation between stress
hormone levels in the blood and severity of arrhythmia for example. [6]
5. Electrolyes. Imbalances in electrolytes, sodium and potassium, can
lead to heart palpitations. [4] Of course, Peak Testosterone readers are
probably eating either a Low Fat Diet or a
Mediterranean Diet and, therefore, a
balanced distribution of both. If all else fails, have a banana.
6. Insulin and Hypoglycemia. Hypolglycemia is common
palpitation-inducer. This could be an issue for those dieting or struggling with
pre-diabetes, diabetes and perhaps Metabolic Syndrome.
7. Creatine Supplementation. This is probably the number one muscle
supplement used by bodybuilders, weight lifters and other athletes around the
globe. What many do not realize is that creatine is foundational in heart
contractions and creatine supplementation has well-known side effect of heart
murmurs and palpitations. [7]
REFERENCES:
1)
http://www.cardiologyonline.com/journal_articles/Pulse_pressure.htm
2) J Am Coll Cardiol, 2004; 44:1675-1678, "Ephedrine increases ventricular
arrhythmias in conscious dogs after myocardial infarction"; Wien Klin
Wochenschr, 2006 Sep, 118(17-18):558-61, "Ventricular tachycardia induced by
abuse of ephedrine in a young healthy woman"
3)
http://www.news.cornell.edu/chronicle/02/1.24.02/Weill_research.html
4) Natl Med J India, 1995 Jan-Feb, 8(1):13-4, "Correction of serum electrolyte
imbalance prevents cardiac arrhythmia during amphotericin B administration"
5) J Clin Sleep Med, 2008 Oct 15, 4(5):441-9, "Vagal regulation, cortisol, and
sleep disruption in women with metastatic breast cancer"
6) Stress and its management by yoga By K. N. Udupa, R. C. Prasad, p. 235.
7) Pharmacotherapy, 2005, 25(5):762-764, "Lone atrial fibrillation associated
with creatine monohydrate supplementation"