Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are the perception of the heart beating - felt as racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats. While often benign, they can indicate arrhythmia.

Electrolyte imbalances are common triggers. Low magnesium allows calcium to over-stimulate cardiac cells, causing excitability and arrhythmias. Mitral valve prolapse is associated with palpitations and often with magnesium deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia causes compensatory increased heart rate.

Metabolic Connections

Heart Palpitations connects to 14 other pathways.

Symptoms

Anxiety

Anxiety and panic cause palpitations through adrenaline release

Excessive worry, nervousness, or fear; involves neurotransmitter imbalances, HPA axis dysregulation, and nutrient factors.

Compounds

Caffeine

Caffeine stimulates the heart and can trigger palpitations

Stimulant blocking adenosine receptors; increases alertness and cortisol; long half-life affects sleep.

Caffeine

Caffeine stimulates the heart and can trigger palpitations

Stimulant blocking adenosine receptors; increases alertness and cortisol; long half-life affects sleep.

Cofactors

CoQ10

CoQ10 supports cardiac energy production; deficiency may contribute to arrhythmias

Ubiquinone - essential electron carrier in mitochondrial energy production. Also a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant.

CoQ10

CoQ10 supports cardiac energy production

Ubiquinone - essential electron carrier in mitochondrial energy production. Also a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant.

Neurotransmitters

Histamine

Histamine can trigger palpitations in histamine-intolerant individuals

Neurotransmitter and immune mediator. Involved in allergic response, gastric acid secretion, and wakefulness.

Histamine

Histamine can trigger palpitations

Neurotransmitter and immune mediator. Involved in allergic response, gastric acid secretion, and wakefulness.

Minerals

Iron

Iron deficiency anemia causes increased heart rate and palpitations

Essential mineral for oxygen transport, energy production, and many enzymatic reactions. Both deficiency and excess are harmful.

Major Minerals

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency is a common cause of palpitations; Mg stabilizes cardiac rhythm

Essential mineral involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions. Required for ATP, muscle/nerve function, and blood pressure regulation.

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency causes cardiac irritability and palpitations

Essential mineral involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions. Required for ATP, muscle/nerve function, and blood pressure regulation.

Potassium

Potassium is critical for cardiac electrical activity; imbalances cause arrhythmias

Essential electrolyte for nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood pressure regulation. Most people are deficient.

Potassium

Potassium imbalances cause cardiac arrhythmias

Essential electrolyte for nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood pressure regulation. Most people are deficient.

Processes

Thyroid

Hyperthyroidism commonly causes palpitations and tachycardia

Butterfly-shaped gland controlling metabolism, energy, and development. Produces T4 and T3 hormones requiring iodine and tyrosine.

Thyroid

Hyperthyroidism causes tachycardia and palpitations

Butterfly-shaped gland controlling metabolism, energy, and development. Produces T4 and T3 hormones requiring iodine and tyrosine.