Heart attacks and heart palpitations, while both related to heart health, differ significantly in their nature and severity. Knowing the differences is vital for timely and appropriate medical responses.
What Is Heart Palpitation?
Heart palpitations, marked by a sensation of a racing, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat, are a common experience. They are usually the heart’s response to stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. Some more triggers and causes of heart palpitations include:
- Caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol consumption
- Certain medications
- Strenuous exercise
- Hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy
What Is Heart Attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped. This is usually due to a blockage in the heart’s arteries and can result in significant damage to the heart muscle. Without prompt treatment, heart tissue can die, leading to permanent damage or even death.
Heart attacks can also lead to complications like arrhythmias, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and heart rupture.
Some of the key risk factors for heart attack include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history of heart disease.
What Is The Difference Between Heart Palpitation and Heart Attack?
Heart palpitations are usually marked by a thumping sensation in the chest. On the contrary, symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like pressure, squeezing, or burning
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or nausea
- Cold sweats
While heart palpitations may sometimes accompany a heart attack, they are not a typical symptom.
Can Heart Palpitation Cause Heart Attack?
Palpitations may cause heart attacks if they are extremely fast, causing the heart to not pump the blood properly. However, this condition is rare and is usually accompanied by other symptoms of heart attack.
Can Heart Attack Cause Heart Palpitation?
Though it is not common, it is possible for a heart attack to cause abnormal heart rhythms that can eventually lead to palpitations. This condition is considered highly dangerous and life-threatening.
When To Visit a Doctor?
Despite their alarming nature, in most cases, heart palpitations are harmless and subside on their own.
However, if they are frequent, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it is essential to consult a doctor. They might signal a more serious issue, such as heart arrhythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm), thyroid problems, etc.
A heart attack, on the other hand, is a medical emergency. If you experience any combination of the symptoms mentioned above, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening situations.
Preventive Measures
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of both heart attacks and heart palpitations. Some easy lifestyle changes you can follow are:
- Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay physically active and engage in regular exercise.
- Reduce the intake of harmful substances like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Limit intake of saturated and trans fats, sugar, and sodium.
- Manage stress effectively through relaxation techniques or counselling.
- Regularly monitor your health, especially if you have a history of heart-related issues.
The Takeaway
Understanding the distinctions between heart attacks and heart palpitations empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking prompt medical attention when necessary, you can significantly reduce the risk of these potentially life-threatening conditions.
At Aster DM Healthcare, we understand the importance of heart health and strive to provide comprehensive care for our patients. Our team of experienced cardiologists is dedicated to educating the public about heart-related conditions and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.