Up to 42% of perimenopausal women and 54% of postmenopausal women experience heart palpitations. When your hormones shift, especially estrogen dropping as you move through perimenopause into menopause, your heart may become more sensitive to changes.
Add lifestyle triggers, and palpitations can become more frequent or intense. Examples include caffeine, nicotine, spicy foods, alcohol, supplements, dehydration, stress, and medical concerns like thyroid problems. Pregnancy also increases your risk of heart palpitations.
Much of the time, heart palpitations aren’t dangerous, but see our experienced OB/GYN physicians at Women’s Health Services in Arlington or Grand Prairie, Texas, to know for sure during American Heart Month.
The following are symptoms of heart palpitations to be aware of:
You might feel heart palpitations in your neck, throat, or chest. They can last a few seconds or minutes, sometimes longer, and the severity is mild (barely noticeable) to intense.
Anytime you experience new or unusual changes in your heartbeat, it’s important to tell your doctor. Irregular heartbeats may be related to a heart problem if you have heart disease, an abnormal heart valve, or significant risk factors such as obesity or high blood pressure.
Heart palpitations are common during and after the transitional period to menopause (perimenopause) because of changing hormone levels. For example, you might notice your heart racing during a hot flash. Menopause-related heart palpitations often don't need treatment, but getting checked to detect or rule out more concerning causes is critical.
If the underlying cause of your heart palpitations requires treatment, your care team may recommend medication or a medical procedure to help lower the risk of serious complications.
Ways to reduce your risk of heart palpitations and other heart-related concerns include:
Signs you may be having a heart attack include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, unusual weakness, an upset stomach, or pain in your jaw, neck, arm, shoulder, back, or stomach.
Report any heart palpitations to our team at Women’s Health Services by contacting our office nearest you. Call us today or book an appointment online anytime.
