
Certain medicationsĪccording to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), certain medications can cause a person to have an irregular heartbeat.
RACING HEARTBEAT SERIES
However, amphetamines can cause a series of side effects, including: Research from 2014 found that people who use cocaine were more likely to experience irregular or increased heart rates.ĭoctors sometimes use amphetamines to treat people who have ADHD or narcolepsy. Illegal stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can cause a person to have a higher heart rate. Researchers also pointed out that a person’s heart rate and blood pressure increased regardless of whether the nicotine was smoked, inhaled, or ingested. Research from 2016 noted that nicotine could increase a person’s heart rate by 10–15 beats per minute (BPM). According to the AHA, nicotine can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical found in cigarettes. Researchers found that as a person’s alcohol concentration level increased, so did their heart rate. Atrial fibrillation is a condition that causes a person’s heart to beat irregularly and sometimes abnormally fast.Ī further study from 2017 tested people’s breath for alcohol concentration levels. However, the amount of caffeine a person can consume without adverse effects depends on their caffeine sensitivity.Ī person who has too much caffeine may experience:Ī study from 2014 found that even a small amount of alcohol can increase a person’s chances of developing atrial fibrillation. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) suggest that an adult could have up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day, which is around 4 or 5 cups of coffee. Caffeine powder is also available as a dietary supplement. Substances that can cause a person’s heartbeat to speed up include: CaffeineĬaffeine is a stimulant found in many drinks, such as coffee, tea, certain sodas, and energy drinks. Learn more about treating and managing stress here. talking with a doctor or healthcare provider.speaking to friends and family for emotional support or help.engaging in relaxing activities, such as meditation or massage.The American Psychological Association (APA) note that chronic stress can increase a person’s chances of developing certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.Ī person may be able to manage their stress in the following ways: Generally, a person should find that their symptoms decrease once they no longer feel stress.Ī person who experiences stressful emotions regularly may be at risk of developing certain conditions. palpitations, where the heart rate can increase, decrease, or feel like it has skipped a beat.Epinephrine can cause a person to experience: The body uses epinephrine to prepare a person for immediate action. The body has two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. When the body experiences stress, the adrenal glands release epinephrine, or adrenaline. Sometimes, controlling the rate of an arrhythmia that's causing heart failure can improve the heart's function.Stressful emotions, such as anxiety, anger, and fear, can cause a person’s heart rate to increase. Certain arrhythmias can reduce the heart's pumping ability. If a clot breaks loose, it can block a brain artery, causing a stroke.

If palpitations are due to a condition in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating properly (atrial fibrillation), blood can pool and cause clots to form. Rarely, palpitations can be caused by life-threatening heartbeat problems and can cause the heart to stop beating effectively. This is more likely in those with a heart problem, such as congenital heart disease or certain valve problems. If the heart beats rapidly, blood pressure can drop, causing the person to faint.


Often the cause of heart palpitations can't be found.
