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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

You may be at risk of developing palpitations if you:

  • Are highly stressed
  • Have an anxiety disorder or regularly experience panic attacks
  • Are pregnant
  • Take medicines that contain stimulants, such as some cold or asthma medications
  • Have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
  • Have other heart problems, such as an arrhythmia, a heart defect or a previous heart attack
Complications Causes
References
  1. Zimetbaum PJ. Overview of palpitations in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 3, 2011.
  2. Palpitations. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hpl/hpl_all.html. Accessed Feb. 3, 2011.
  3. Khamis RY, et al. Palpitations. Medicine. 2009;37:100.
  4. Abbott AV. Diagnostic approach to palpitations. American Family Physician. 2005;71:743.
  5. Thompson J. Psychological and physical etiologies of heart palpitations. Holistic Nursing Practice. 2006;20:107.
DS01139 April 21, 2011

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