Lifestyle stresses: Heart palpitations
Our lives are faster, busier and more varied than previous generations, and sometimes our bodies react in surprising ways. Combat stress related heart palpitations with our expert's advice
Racing heart
If stress makes your heart race, causing palpitations, don’t panic. “It’s a natural reaction to the excess adrenaline in your system,” says Dr Nick Boon from the British Cardiovascular Society. And if during that racing you find your heart skips or adds a beat – palpitations – that’s normal too.
“You don’t need to worry unless your symptoms are accompanied by light headedness, chest pain or breathlessness,” says Dr Boon. “This may signify underlying heart problems so see your GP.”
Stressbuster: Knowing that your heartbeats are normal doesn’t make that racing or fluttering sensation any less unpleasant. So how do you stop it? Deep breathing will calm a racing heart.
“If you’re suffering irregular heart beats, giving the heart a mild shock will steady things – and simply splashing your face with cold water can do this,” says Carrie Ross, cardiac nurse for the British Heart Foundation. Exercise is also very helpful when you’re stressed because it burns off the excess adrenaline.
Get more advice on other lifestyle stress-related illnesses:
Wine consumption
Bad skin
Thinning hair
Bleeding gums
Immunity
Bloating
Aches and pains
Sex drive
Sleepless nights
