Is your heart a-flutter?

Does your heart ever feel a-flutter?  If it’s not love, it’s probably heart palpitations.

BJC ACO wants you to know that palpitations are caused by changes in the electrical impulses that control the heart muscles. Frequent or long lasting changes in the heart’s rhythm can cause problems.

As we age, our chances of having palpitations increases. Anxiety, stress, thyroid problems and some drugs, including nicotine, caffeine and alcohol, can set them off. The most serious causes are high blood pressure and artery disease.

If you feel you are having heart palpitations, and have symptoms such as an awareness of your heartbeat, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or fainting, see a doctor. Mild palpitations can often be controlled with drugs.