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.

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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][8][9] In fairness, Viagra has sometimes shown positive changes in stroke and arrthymia paramters as well. (Discuss with your physician.)

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"

8) Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2007, 1:65, "Ventricular tachycardia after administration of sildenafil citrate: a case report"

9) Neurology November 13, 2001, 57(9):1730-1731, "Transient ischemic attack and stroke associated with sildenafil (Viagra) use"