Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Feeling heart palpitations can be scary. Many wonder how long they last and why they happen. At Liv Hospital, we get it and aim to clear up the confusion. Heart palpitations feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, or pounding in your chest. They can last for different amounts of time.
Studies show that changes in estrogen and progesterone, like before your period, can cause heart palpitations. Stress also raises cortisol levels, making symptoms worse. Knowing how PMS and heart palpitations are connected helps in dealing with them.
Key Takeaways
- Heart palpitations can last from a few seconds to several minutes.
- Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can contribute to heart palpitations.
- Heightened cortisol levels during stress can exacerbate heart palpitations.
- Understanding the link between PMS and heart palpitations is key.
- Seeking medical help is wise for ongoing or frequent palpitations.
Understanding Heart Palpitations: What They Feel Like
Many people say heart palpitations feel like their heart is beating in an odd way. This can make them worry about their heart health.
Heart palpitations make you feel your heartbeat in a strange way. You might feel it fluttering or pounding in your chest.
Common Sensations and Experiences
Some feel like their heart skips a beat or beats too hard. Others might think their heart is racing or fluttering. These feelings can happen when you’re sitting or moving around.
How people feel heart palpitations can be different. Some might feel a light flutter, while others might feel a strong pounding.
| Sensation | Description | Common Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| Skipped Beat | A feeling that the heart has missed a beat | Caffeine, stress |
| Fluttering | A rapid or irregular heartbeat sensation | Anxiety, hormonal changes |
| Pounding | A strong or forceful heartbeat | Exercise, certain medications |
Differentiating Palpitations from Normal Heartbeats
It’s important to know the difference between normal heartbeats and palpitations. Normal heartbeats are steady, but palpitations can feel off.
Knowing what palpitations feel like can help you understand your heart better. It can also tell you when to see a doctor.
How Long Can Heart Palpitations Last? Typical Duration Patterns
Heart palpitations can last different lengths of time. Knowing how long they usually last is key for those who experience them.
Palpitations can show up in many ways and for different times. We’ll look at how long they can last and what affects their duration.
Short-Term Episodes (Seconds to Minutes)
Most palpitations are short, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. They often happen because of stress, caffeine, or sudden changes in position.
Extended Episodes (Hours to Days)
But sometimes, palpitations can go on for hours or even days. These long episodes might be due to health issues, hormonal changes, or other heart rhythm problems.
Recurring Patterns of Palpitations
Some people have recurring palpitations, with episodes happening often. Finding out why they happen is important for managing them.
Factors Affecting Duration
Many things can change how long palpitations last. Lifestyle, health, and hormonal changes are some of them. Knowing these can help manage palpitations better.
| Duration Pattern | Typical Causes | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term (Seconds to Minutes) | Stress, caffeine, sudden position changes | Brief, often harmless |
| Extended (Hours to Days) | Underlying medical conditions, hormonal fluctuations | May indicate an underlying issue |
| Recurring | Various factors, including lifestyle and medical conditions | Frequent episodes, may require management |
Knowing about the usual length of heart palpitations helps people understand their situation better. It also tells them when to see a doctor.
Common Triggers and Causes of Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations can be caused by many things. Knowing what triggers them is key to managing them.
Lifestyle Factors
Our lifestyle choices can affect our heart. Stress is a big one, as it releases hormones like cortisol that can mess with our heart rhythm. “Cortisol and heart palpitations are closely linked,” as high cortisol levels can cause palpitations.
Drinking caffeine and nicotine can also make our heart race and lead to palpitations. Some foods and drinks can trigger palpitations in people who are sensitive to them.
Medical Conditions
Many medical conditions can cause heart palpitations. These include heart problems like arrhythmias and valve issues. Hormonal changes, like those during the menstrual cycle, can also cause palpitations.
Some women feel palpitations before their period, due to changes in estrogen and progesterone. Other conditions like thyroid disorders, anemia, and fever can also cause palpitations. In some cases, certain medications can lead to palpitations as a side effect.
It’s important to find out why you’re getting palpitations. This helps figure out the best way to treat them. By tackling the root cause, you can manage your symptoms better and reduce palpitations.
The Hormonal Connection: Estrogen, Progesterone, and Your Heart
Hormonal changes, like those in estrogen and progesterone, affect heart health and palpitations. These hormones and the heart work together in a complex way. This is why some women feel heart palpitations tied to their menstrual cycle.
How Female Hormones Affect Cardiovascular Function
Estrogen and progesterone do more than just control sex traits. They also impact the heart and blood vessels. Estrogen protects the heart by improving blood vessel function and rhythm. Progesterone can sometimes cause heart rate and rhythm changes.
Studies show hormonal shifts affect heart function during the menstrual cycle. For example, high estrogen levels might increase heart rate variability. Changes in progesterone can lead to palpitations.
Fluctuations Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle brings big changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. These changes impact the heart in different ways:
- Estrogen surge before ovulation may increase heart rate variability.
- Progesterone rise after ovulation can change heart rhythm, causing palpitations.
- The drop in estrogen and progesterone before menstruation may make palpitations worse.
Hormone Sensitivity and Individual Differences
Women react differently to hormonal changes. Some feel big effects on their heart, while others don’t notice much. Health, lifestyle, and hormonal balance play a big role in how these changes affect heart palpitations.
It’s key to understand these differences to manage heart palpitations. By knowing how hormones and heart function interact, doctors can give better care.
PMS and Heart Palpitations: The Scientific Link
Recent studies have shown a strong link between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and heart palpitations. It’s important to know what causes this connection.
Research on Premenstrual Heart Symptoms
Women often feel more heart palpitations before their period. Research shows a clear link between PMS and heart palpitations. Hormonal changes are thought to be a key factor.
A study in a well-known medical journal found many women experience heart palpitations before their period. This finding has led to more research into the causes.
Why Palpitations Increase Before Menstruation
The reasons for more palpitations before menstruation are complex. Hormonal changes are a main cause. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can affect the heart, causing palpitations.
Some women may also be more sensitive to hormones. This can make symptoms worse. Knowing this helps in finding ways to manage symptoms.
Distinguishing PMS-Related Palpitations from Other Causes
It’s important to tell PMS-related palpitations from other causes. While PMS is a common cause, other health issues can also lead to palpitations. Women with persistent or severe palpitations should see a doctor to check for other conditions.
Understanding the link between PMS and heart palpitations helps us support women better. We can offer them the right help and treatment options.
Cortisol and Stress: Their Role in Premenstrual Palpitations
Stress and cortisol levels can greatly affect heart palpitations, mainly in the premenstrual phase. Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” is key in how our body handles stress. Its levels change throughout the menstrual cycle, impacting our body in many ways.
The Stress Hormone Connection
Cortisol comes from the adrenal glands and is released when we’re stressed. It affects many body functions, like metabolism and heart health. Long-term stress can raise cortisol levels, which can mess with heart rhythm and cause palpitations.
Studies show cortisol can change the heart’s electrical activity. High cortisol levels can make the heart beat faster and blood pressure go up. This can lead to palpitations.
How Cortisol Levels Change During Your Cycle
Cortisol levels change with the menstrual cycle due to hormonal shifts. In the premenstrual phase, cortisol might go up because estrogen and progesterone drop. This hormonal change can affect the heart, causing palpitations.
| Hormone | Premenstrual Level | Effect on Cortisol |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen | Decreases | Potential increase in cortisol |
| Progesterone | Decreases | Potential increase in cortisol |
Breaking the Stress-Palpitation Cycle
Managing stress is key to lowering cortisol and easing palpitations. Activities like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help. Also, a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is good for the heart.
“Stress management is key to reducing the frequency and severity of heart palpitations. By incorporating stress-reducing activities into daily life, individuals can better manage their cortisol levels and improve their heart health.”
It’s also important to keep an eye on stress levels during the menstrual cycle. Knowing cortisol might rise premenstrually, women can take steps to reduce stress and symptoms.
Heart Flutters Before Your Period: What’s Normal?
Heart flutters before your period can be scary, but knowing what’s normal can ease your mind. Many women feel heart symptoms before their period. Knowing what’s normal can help you not worry too much.
Typical Premenstrual Cardiac Symptoms
Premenstrual heart symptoms can differ for each woman. You might feel your heart pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly. Some might feel their heart racing or skipping beats. These feelings often come from hormonal changes in your cycle.
Even though these symptoms can be scary, they usually aren’t a big deal for healthy women. Knowing what’s normal helps you know when to seek medical help.
Duration and Intensity of PMS-Related Palpitations
The length and strength of PMS-related heart flutters can change a lot. Some women might feel them for just a few seconds. Others might feel them for hours or even days.
To understand your heart flutters better, check out this table:
| Duration | Intensity | Common Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| Seconds to minutes | Mild to moderate | Stress, caffeine |
| Hours to days | Moderate to severe | Hormonal changes, anxiety |
Self-Monitoring Techniques
Tracking your symptoms can help you understand them better. Keep a diary to note when you feel heart flutters, how long they last, and what might cause them. This info is great to share with your doctor.
When to Worry: Red Flags for Heart Palpitations
Many heart palpitations are not serious, but knowing the warning signs is key. These signs can mean you need to see a doctor. We’ll talk about when to worry, what’s urgent, and who’s at higher risk.
Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention
Certain symptoms with heart palpitations mean you should see a doctor right away. These include:
- Chest pain or discomfort: This could be a sign of a heart problem.
- Shortness of breath: Feeling like you can’t catch your breath, even when you’re not trying hard.
- Fainting or near-fainting: Feeling dizzy or losing consciousness.
- Severe dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling like you might pass out.
- Palpitations that last for hours or are extremely intense: Long or very strong episodes.
If you have any of these symptoms, get medical help fast.
Emergency Situations vs. Non-Urgent Concerns
It’s important to know when to go to the emergency room and when to see your doctor.
Emergency Situations:
- Symptoms like chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting.
- Palpitations with confusion, severe headache, or weakness.
Non-Urgent Concerns:
- Frequent or recurring palpitations without other severe symptoms.
- Palpitations caused by stress, caffeine, or lifestyle choices.
If it’s not an emergency, make an appointment with your doctor.
Risk Factors That Increase Concern
Some risk factors make heart palpitations more serious. These include:
- Pre-existing heart conditions: Having a history of heart disease or arrhythmias.
- Family history of heart disease: Having relatives with heart conditions, even at a young age.
- High blood pressure or diabetes: These conditions can affect your heart health.
If you have these risk factors and heart palpitations, talk to your doctor.
Knowing the red flags and risk factors helps you take care of your health. If you’re unsure about your symptoms, always get medical advice.
Diagnostic Approaches for Persistent Palpitations
Diagnosing the cause of persistent heart palpitations requires several steps. It’s important to find the root cause to treat it properly.
Tests Your Doctor May Recommend
Doctors use various tests to find the cause of heart palpitations. These include:
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs): A test that measures the heart’s electrical activity.
- Holter Monitors: A portable device that records heart activity for 24 to 48 hours.
- Echocardiograms: An ultrasound test that shows the heart’s structure and function.
Tracking and Documenting Your Symptoms
Keeping track of your symptoms is key for a correct diagnosis. We suggest using a palpitation diary. Record when palpitations happen, how long they last, and any triggers.
Specialized Cardiac Evaluations
In some cases, more detailed cardiac tests are needed. These include:
| Test | Description |
|---|---|
| Stress Test | A test that monitors the heart’s activity during physical stress. |
| Event Recorder | A device that records heart activity over an extended period. |
By using these tests together, we can find the cause of persistent palpitations. Then, we can create a good treatment plan.
Management and Treatment Options
Managing heart palpitations requires a mix of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and hormonal therapies for PMS-related issues. It’s important to understand the cause and tailor the treatment plan.
Lifestyle Modifications
Making lifestyle changes is key to managing heart palpitations. These include:
- Dietary Adjustments: Cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, eating light meals, and staying hydrated can help.
- Stress Management: Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage stress-related palpitations.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity improves heart health and can reduce palpitations.
- Sleep Hygiene: Getting enough sleep and keeping a regular sleep schedule helps regulate heart rhythm.
Medical Interventions
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medical treatments may be needed. These include:
- Beta Blockers: These medications help control heart rate and reduce palpitations.
- Anti-Anxiety Medications: For those whose palpitations are caused or worsened by anxiety.
- Cardiac Procedures: In severe or recurring cases, procedures like catheter ablation may be recommended.
Hormonal Approaches for PMS-Related Palpitations
Women with PMS-related palpitations may find relief in hormonal treatments. These include:
- Hormone Regulation: Medications that help stabilize hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
- Birth Control Pills: These can help stabilize hormonal changes and potentially reduce palpitations.
Evidence-Based Protocols at Specialized Centers
Centers like Liv Hospital offer evidence-based treatments for heart palpitations. These treatments are based on the latest research and guidelines. This ensures patients get the best care for their condition.
By combining lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and hormonal therapies when needed, individuals can manage their heart palpitations. This approach improves their quality of life.
Conclusion: Finding Peace with Palpitations
Understanding and managing heart palpitations can bring peace of mind. By tackling the root causes and using the right strategies, people can lessen palpitations. We’ve looked into the different sides of heart palpitations, like how long they last, what causes them, and their connection to PMS.
Managing heart palpitations well means making lifestyle changes, getting medical help, and sometimes dealing with hormones. At Liv Hospital, we aim to give top-notch healthcare to all our patients, including those from abroad. Our team helps patients figure out and treat heart palpitations, even those tied to PMS.
By taking a full approach to heart palpitations, people can feel better and live better lives. We urge patients to team up with their doctors to create a plan just for them. With the right care and support, people can overcome palpitations and keep their hearts healthy.
FAQ
How long can heart palpitations last?
Heart palpitations can last from a few seconds to several minutes. In some cases, they can go on for hours or even days.
What causes heart palpitations before menstruation?
Hormonal changes, like shifts in estrogen and progesterone, can cause heart palpitations before menstruation.
Are heart palpitations a normal symptom of PMS?
Not all women get heart palpitations with PMS. But, hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle might make palpitations more common for some.
How does cortisol affect heart palpitations?
Cortisol, the stress hormone, can lead to heart palpitations, more so during stress or anxiety. Its levels change throughout the menstrual cycle.
What are the typical premenstrual cardiac symptoms?
Common symptoms include heart palpitations, flutters, or feeling like the heart beats irregularly or hard.
When should I seek medical attention for heart palpitations?
See a doctor if palpitations are severe, persistent, or come with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or other worrying signs.
How can I manage and treat heart palpitations?
You can manage palpitations through lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and hormonal approaches, which are helpful for PMS-related symptoms.
Can stress trigger heart palpitations?
Yes, stress can cause heart palpitations. Using relaxation techniques, exercising, or therapy can help reduce symptoms.
Are there any risk factors that increase concern for heart palpitations?
Yes, having a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders can make palpitations more concerning.
How can I track and document my heart palpitations?
Keeping a symptom journal or using a mobile app to track palpitations can help identify patterns and triggers. This is useful for diagnosis and treatment.
What diagnostic tests may be recommended for persistent palpitations?
Your doctor might suggest tests like electrocardiograms (ECGs), Holter monitors, or echocardiograms to find the cause of your palpitations.
References:
“Supraventricular tachycardia and the menstrual cycle” — overview of how arrhythmia episodes may cluster in the pre-menstrual phase. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6861643/ PMC
“Palpitations: what is the mechanism, and when should we treat them?” — review noting palpitations are common in women especially during the luteal phase of the cycle. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9160219/ PubMed
“THE IMPACT OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE PHASE ON CARDIAC AUTONOMIC REGULATION” — study showing heart rate variability differs by menstrual phase, suggesting hormonal influence. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4451597/ PMC
“Causes of heart flutters: When to worry about heart palpitations” — content referencing menstruation and hormonal swings as triggers for palpitations. https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-palpitations/ healthpartners.com
