How to stop heart palpitations: 7 home remedies and tips Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Ways to stop heart palpitationsMedically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — By Jenna Fletcher and Karen Veazey on June 28, 2022Heart palpitations can cause the sensation of a pounding heart or a racing pulse. They can also present as a fluttering in the chest or the feeling of the heart skipping a beat. Although some home remedies can help stop palpitations, medical attention may be necessary for frequent or severe symptoms. Heart palpitations may occur as a result of certain lifestyle factors. Less commonly, an underlying medical condition is responsible. Addressing the lifestyle factor or treating the underlying condition may be effective in stopping heart palpitations. Keep reading to learn more about heart palpitations, including how to relieve them and when to speak with a doctor. Home remedies to relieve heart palpitations Share on PinterestStudio Firma/StocksyCertain at-home techniques may help ease heart palpitations. A person can try the strategies below. Perform relaxation techniques Stress can have many negative effects on a person’s health. It can induce palpitations or make them worse. Some people may find the following relaxation techniques helpful:meditationdeep breathingjournalingyogaspending time outdoorsexercisingtaking short breaks from work or schoolusing guided imagery, which a person can access online Reduce or eliminate stimulant intake Heart palpitations may become noticeable after using a stimulant. Stimulants are present in the following:tobacco productscertain illegal drugssome cold and cough medicationscaffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and sodaappetite suppressantssome mental health medications However, not all stimulants will cause palpitations in everyone. Stimulate the vagus nerve The vagus nerve connects the brain to the heart, and stimulating it can calm palpitations. An individual can stimulate the vague nerve by:holding the breath and pushing down, as though having a bowel movementplacing ice or a cold, damp towel on the face for a few secondssplashing cold water on the facechanting “Om“taking a cold showermassaging the neck Before trying any of these methods, it is advisable to consult a doctor, who can advise on the most suitable techniques for a person. Keep electrolytes balanced Electrolytes are electrically charged molecules that are present throughout the body and help with multiple functions. For instance, they play a significant role in regulating the heart rate. An individual can boost the number of electrolytes in their body by eating foods rich in:sodiumpotassiumcalciummagnesium A well-balanced diet usually provides sufficient sodium. The following foods have a high potassium content:potatobananaavocadospinach Dairy products and dark, leafy greens are rich in calcium. Vegetables, nuts, and fish also contain magnesium. Some people may wish to attain these nutrients by taking supplements. An individual should consult a doctor before trying any supplements, particularly if they are also taking prescription medication. Stay hydrated When the body becomes dehydrated, the heart has to work harder to circulate blood, which can cause heart palpitations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that the recommended amount of water to drink throughout the day will vary among individuals, depending on age, sex, and pregnancy status. The symptoms of dehydration include: dark urineincreased heart ratedry mouththirstheadachesdizzinessdry skin A person should consider drinking a full glass of water if they notice any of these symptoms. Avoid excessive alcohol use Alcohol is a depressant, so it does not typically raise the heart rate. Although drinking in moderation is not necessarily problematic, some research indicates that even having 1.2 alcoholic drinks per day can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Heart palpitations are just one symptom of this condition. Exercise regularly Exercise can improve overall cardiovascular health and help restore the heart’s natural rhythm. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Cardiovascular exercise helps strengthen the heart, which can prevent or reduce palpitations. Beneficial forms of exercise include:brisk walkingjoggingrunningbikingswimming However, exercise may trigger palpitations in some people, and it is important to identify and avoid potentially problematic types of exercise. Anyone who plans to begin a new exercise regimen should discuss their plans with a doctor first. Additional treatments The treatment for heart palpitations will depend on the cause. If there is no underlying medical condition, a doctor may seek to reassure an individual that the palpitations are not harmful. If premature ventricular contractions cause frequent palpitations — meaning those that occur more than 10,000 times in 24 hours or account for more than 10% of all heartbeats — a doctor may recommend treatment. They may prescribe medications called beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. If medications do not stop frequent palpitations, a doctor may suggest catheter ablation. This involves inserting a thin tube through a blood vessel to the heart. Other possible treatments include:surgerya pacemakerchanging medications that may be causing palpitations When to speak with a doctor A person should consult a doctor if they are experiencing heart palpitations that tend to last longer than a few seconds. The doctor can determine whether an underlying condition is causing the palpitations. Examples of these conditions include:heart diseasethyroid issuesanxietystructural or electrical heart conditionsan abnormal heart rhythm, known as arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillationsignificant anemiaheart failure, in rare cases Also, a person who has had a heart attack may be more likely to develop palpitations. Other possible causes of heart palpitations include:exercisestressdehydrationillnesscertain medicationsillegal drug usepregnancycaffeinetobacco useexcessive alcohol intake Diagnosis A doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination as part of the diagnostic process. They may ask questions about:how old the person was when symptoms beganwhat the person’s symptoms arewhen the symptoms occurif the symptoms begin slowly or suddenlyhow long the symptoms lastwhat relieves the symptomsif there are other symptoms, such as fainting, pain, or lightheadednessfamily health historysocial and dietary habits, including caffeine and alcohol consumption, exercise, sleep, and drug and medication use They will also check the person’s vital signs, including blood pressure and pulse rate, and listen to their heart through a stethoscope. If heart palpitations are not occurring at the time of the examination, the doctor may ask the individual to tap out the rhythm of the palpitations that they usually experience. If necessary, the doctor may order blood tests to examine electrolyte, hormone, or thyroid levels. They may also use imaging studies to look at the structure or function of the heart. One of the goals of diagnosis is to identify people at risk of arrhythmia. These individuals include those with:underlying heart diseasedysfunction from a previous heart attackidiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, which is a condition in which the heart wall thins and weakens, and the inside chamber enlargesclinically significant valvular regurgitation, which is a type of heart valve disease Summary Heart palpitations are common, and they often last for a few seconds. Certain lifestyle modifications can help stop palpitations and reduce their occurrence. A person should speak with a doctor if the sensation lasts longer than a few seconds or if other symptoms accompany the palpitations. In these cases, the person may have an underlying condition that requires treatment. Read this article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2022Heart DiseaseCardiovascular / CardiologyCat 1arrhythmiaMedically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — By Jenna Fletcher and Karen Veazey on June 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageHeart palpitations: What causes the heart to skip a beat?Medically reviewed by Dr. Payal Kohli, M.D., FACC Common causes of the heart skipping a beat include anxiety, arrhythmias, medications, hormones, and lifestyle factors. While heart palpitations can be…READ MOREIs it a heart attack or heartburn?Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, RN Heart attacks and heartburn can both cause pain in the upper belly or chest, not to mention concern of a serious medical issue occurring. Often…READ MORECommon heart valve disordersMedically reviewed by Dr. Payal Kohli, M.D., FACC Heart valve disorders can cause valves to narrow or leak. Sometimes this is the result of congenital conditions, certain diseases, or aging.READ MOREWhat is torsades de pointes?Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI Torsades de pointes is an uncommon type of ventricular tachycardia that can be potentially life threatening. Learn more about the causes and diagnosis.READ MOREWhat to know about heart palpitations at nightMedically reviewed by Sirisha Yellayi, DO Learn what causes heart palpitations at night, when to see a doctor, and treatment options. We also look at techniques people can try at home to stop…READ MORE