Heart Palpitations Irregular Heartbeats are Common at Menopause

Are you a woman age 35 years or older who sometimes experiences skipped heart beats or a racing heart even when you’re not exerting yourself? Do you sometimes awaken with a racing heart? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you are likely experiencing common symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.

Normal heart rate

The heart’s rhythm is coordinated by its own electrical system. With each heartbeat, the electrical impulse begins at the sinus (or sinoatrial, SA) node, also called the heart’s natural pacemaker. The SA node is a cluster of specialized cells, located in the right atrium. The SA node produces the electrical impulses that set the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. The impulse spreads through the walls of the right and left atria, causing them to contract, forcing blood into the ventricles.

The impulse then reaches the atrioventricular (AV) node, which acts as an electrical bridge allowing impulses to travel from the atria to the ventricles. There is a short delay before the impulse travels on to the ventricles.

From the AV node, the impulse travels through a pathway of fibers called the HIS-Purkinje network. This network sends the impulse into the ventricles and causes them to contract. The contraction forces blood out of the heart to the lungs and body. The SA node fires another impulse and the cycle begins again. The heartbeat is triggered by electrical impulses that travel down a special pathway through your heart muscle.

What are heart palpitations?

Palpitations are irregular heartbeats that can include skipped beats, extra beats (as many as 8 to 16 beats a minute), and a racing heart (as many as 200 extra beats a minute). Many people suggest that having palpitations makes them "aware of their heart beating."

Women and men can have heart palpitations. In healthy people, they are most common in perimenopausal and menopausal women as a result of fluctuating hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Some perimenopausal and menopausal women suggest their palpitations occur during or after a hot flash.

"Palpitations usually last only a few seconds to a minute or two," says Summit Medical Group cardiologist Andrew D. Beamer, MD, FACC. "If you have palpitations that are frequent and last for long periods, you should see your cardiologist immediately. Even if your palpitations are associated with perimenopause or menopause," says Dr. Beamer, "there are treatments such as beta blockers that can help reduce their frequency and intensity."

Symptoms of irregular heart rhythms

An arrhythmia may be "silent" and not cause any symptoms. A doctor can detect an irregular heartbeat during an examination by taking your pulse, listening to your heart or by performing diagnostic tests.

If symptoms occur, they may include:
* Palpitations -- a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering, "flip-flops" or feeling that the heart is "running away"
* Pounding in the chest
* Dizziness or feeling light-headed
* Shortness of breath
* Chest discomfort
* Weakness or fatigue (feeling very tired)

Symptoms of palpitations represent 15-25 percent of all the symptoms reported by female heart patients. 

They are associated with:

* Premenstrual syndrome

* Pregnancy

* Perimenopausal period

When palpitations are present, the doctor begins his or her evaluation by looking for underlying heart disease. The importance of palpitations and the need for treatment is determined by the presence of underlying heart disease, the type of irregular heartbeats that are occurring and other symptoms that are present.

Common causes

Common causes of heart palpitations include:

* Alcohol

* Caffeine

* Pseudoephedrine, a stimulant in decongestants

* Dehydration, causing an electrolyte embalance

* Phentermine, ephedrine, and caffeine in diet pills

* Emotional stress, which releases adrenaline

* Hormonal changes

* Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially when first beginning treatment

* Monosodium glutamate in Chinese food, processed foods, canned vegetables, canned soups, and processed meats

* Nicotine

In most cases, palpitations associated with menopause are not an indication of heart problems. Palpitations often go away after several months, but even they can recur from time to time.

Although heart palpitations can be disconcerting, remember that most often they are a normal part of aging. Try to remain calm when you have them and focus on your breathing. If you have heart palpitations when you are active, stop what you are doing and sit down or lie down and breathe deeply and slowly through your nose and out your mouth. Your normal heart rate should return within a few minutes.

Why does menopause cause irregular heartbeats?

During the menopause, the amount of the hormone estrogen gradually declines. However, this decline is not steady and often there are erratic fluctuations during the perimenopause and menopause.

 Estrogen has an effect on the dilation of the coronary arteries. When low, the arteries contract, and when high, they dilate. This can lead to changes in blood pressure and heart rhythm.

Estrogen also has an effect on the autonomic nervous system which regulates the unconscious functions of the body such as heart rate and breathing. Changes in oestrogen levels mean that the nervous system fluctuates between being highly stimulated to being stimulated very little, having a direct impact on heartbeat regularity.

How are arrhythmias diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of an arrhythmia, you should make an appointment with a cardiologist. You may want to choose an electrophysiologist, a cardiologist who has received additional specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.

After evaluating your medical history and discussing your symptoms, a physical exam will be performed. The cardiologist also may perform a variety of diagnostic tests to help confirm the presence of an arrhythmia and determine its causes.

If your heart rate is very fast,

if you are feeling dizzy or faint,

or if you feel tightness or pain in the chest or neck,

you should get immediate emergency treatment.

Underlying Dangers of an Irregular Heartbeat

Experiencing an irregular heartbeat during menopause is not something that is dangerous in itself. Usually, irregularities in your heartbeat will last between a few seconds and several minutes, but they will correct themselves. Irregular heartbeats as a result of menopause will usually come to an end once you reach postmenopause.

However, though irregular heartbeats can often pose no danger, they can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as:

* Overactive thyroid. This will also be accompanied by other symptoms such as mood swings, diarrhea, and hyperactivity.

* Anemia. Hair loss, itchy skin, and headaches will usually accompany this condition.

* Dehydration.Dehydration is associated with tiredness, a dry mouth, and concentrated urine.

If you are concerned that your irregular heartbeat is a symptom of another condition, then you should consult a medical practitioner.

Emotional Impact of an Irregular Heartbeat

An irregular heartbeat does not just have an effect upon your physical health; it can also present dangers to your emotional and mental health as well. Suffering from an irregular heartbeat can heighten stress levels, since they may make you worry about what it is and what is causing it. Stress itself heightens your risk of suffering from an irregular heartbeat, so it can become a vicious circle. Heightened stress, anxiety, and panic can lead to panic attacks, which cause heart palpitations as well as nausea and fear, symptoms that have been known to be confused for heart attacks.

What Can You Do about an Irregular Heartbeat?

Despite an irregular heartbeat not being dangerous the majority of the time, it is worth avoiding lifestyle habits that could trigger them. Try to cut down on caffeine and alcohol, as well as rich, spicy foods. Smoking or the use of recreational drugs can easily exacerbate the problem, as well as precipitating more dangerous conditions. Maintaining a regular exercise regime will work toward keeping your heartbeat steady and will improve your overall health at the same time.

The most immediate way to deal with rapid or irregular heartbeat when it occurs is to try to relax. Take deep breaths, practice yoga or meditation, or employ other relaxation techniques.

Experiencing an irregular heartbeat can be frightening and stressful. Fortunately, irregular heartbeats during menopause are usually caused by hormonal imbalances and present no danger. However, if you are experiencing irregular heartbeats regularly, if they are accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath, or if you are concerned about your symptoms, then it is best to consult with a physician.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/article/Heart-Palpitations-in-Perimenopause-and-Menopause/

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/electric/women-abnormal-heart-beats.aspx

http://www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/symptoms/irregular-heart-beat/

http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/irregular-heartbeat/articles/dangers-of-an-irregular-heartbeat-during-menopause.htm

http://www.menopausehealthmatters.com/menopause-heart-palpitations.html

10 Superfoods for Your Heart

To remain healthy it is essential to protect your heart and blood vessels. It is true that regular exercise is good for your heart but when it comes to having a strong, healthy heart; you need to eat properly. According to various studies it has been found that up to 70% of heart disease cases are preventable with the right food choices. In fact, by eating the right kind of foods you can even reduce your risk for atherosclerosis (the hardening and narrowing of arteries), a common cause of heart attack and stroke.

 

There are many healthy foods that you can include into your daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner to keep your heart functioning properly. A heart-healthy diet is one that does not include sodium, unhealthy fats, and bad cholesterol and is rich in lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
Here are top 10 Superfoods for Healthy Heart.

1. Salmon

   Salmon is one of the top foods for heart health as it contains good amount of omega-3s EPA and DHA. T Omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of rhythm disorders and reduce blood pressure and keep clotting at bay. At the same time salmon can even lower blood triglycerides and reduce inflammation. When it comes to salmon try to eat wild salmon over farm-raised fish, which can be packed with insecticides, pesticides, and heavy metals. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of salmon or other oily fish a week to reduce your risk of dying of a heart attack by up to one-third. You can enjoy grilled or baked salmon and even include them in your pasta, soup or salad. Along with salmon, you can also consume other oily fishes like mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines for a healthy heart.

2. Oatmeal

   Oatmeal is also good for your heart as it contains a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, niacin, calcium and soluble fiber. Regular consumption of oatmeal can lower levels of LDL (or bad) cholesterol and help keep arteries clear. At the same time oats in all forms are good for people with diabetes also. When it comes to oatmeal try to eat only the plain and non-processed kind and avoid the instant and flavored oats. You can start your day with a steaming bowl of oats and enjoy oat based snacks throughout the day.

3. Black Beans

   Black beans contain B-complex vitamins, niacin, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and soluble fiber which are good for the heart. All these nutrients help control both cholesterol and blood sugar levels. At the same time by eating black beans you get to add protein to your diet without consuming the unwanted cholesterol found in meat. Health experts recommend eating four or more servings of black beans per week to decrease the risk of heart disease. You can add black beans to your soup or salad to give it a nutrient boost.

4. Red Wine

   A glass of red wine daily can hugely improve “good” HDL cholesterol level which is important for the heart to function properly. Red wine contains resveratrol and catechins which are antioxidants that provide protection to the artery walls. Resveratrol can also help prevent cancer. When it comes to consumption of red wine it is advisable not to exceed one drink a day for women; one to two drinks for men. Also red wine may cause problems for people taking aspirin and other medications.

5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

   This oil, made from the first press of olives, is especially rich in heart-healthy antioxidants called polyphenols, as well as healthy monounsaturated fats. The extra virgin olive oil also contains higher levels of “good fat” that is considerably healthier for your heart as compared to various vegetable oil and its cholesterol-inducing “bad” fats. Regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil can help lower cholesterol level and protect blood vessels. You can use extra virgin olive oil for salads, on cooked veggies, with bread. You can use extra virgin olive oil for cooking.

6. Dark Chocolate

   Dark chocolate can also reduce various cardiovascular diseases. Always choose dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa, the ingredient responsible for making chocolate a good food for your heart. Flavonol, a kind of flavonoid present in cocoa, helps lower blood pressure, improves blood flow to your heart, reduces the free radical damage that can increase LDL which is not good for your heart. You must consume a small piece of dark chocolate daily to lower blood pressure level and to improve the functionality of your heart.

7. Chia Seeds

   Chia seeds are a nutrition powerhouse and they offer maximum nutrition and minimal calories. Just a spoonful of chia seeds helps reduce bad cholesterol and aids in the reduction of plaque buildup and thus chia seeds is good for your heart. It also helps lower blood pressure and triglycerides. Chia can be eaten by the spoonful, blended into smoothies, or stirred into soups, and it also makes a great salad or yogurt topper.

8. Blueberries

   Blueberries contain a good amount of beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids), anthocyanin (a flavonoid), ellagic acid (a polyphenol), vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and fiber. Along with blueberries you must also eat cranberries, strawberries and raspberries for healthy heart. All these healthy nutrients support heart health. People who consumed at least one serving of blueberries per week were 10% less likely than those who ate no blueberries to develop high blood pressure. You can add fresh or dried blueberries to cereal, pancakes, or yogurt.

9. Oranges

   Oranges contain beta-cryptoxanthin, beta- and alpha-carotene, lutein (carotenoids) and flavones (flavonoids), potassium, folate and fiberb which are heart healthy nutrients. Orange also contains vitamin C, a potent protector against stroke by improving blood flow to the heart. This sweet, juicy fruit helps control blood pressure and improve the functionality of blood vessels function. It also reduces artery inflammation. You can eat oranges as a fruit or drink orange juice. You can even enhance their natural sweetness with cinnamon and lime juice, instead of sugary toppings.

10. Walnut

    Walnut contains a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; magnesium; folate; fiber; heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats, all of which promote healthy hearts. A small handful of walnuts a day may lower your cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the arteries of the heart. It also reduces the risk of diabetes. Walnuts add flavorful crunch to salads, pastas, cookies, muffins, even pancakes. Try to eat unsalted walnuts as healthy snacks in between meals to enjoy its health benefits.

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