8. Palpitations – The Heart’s S.O.S in Angina
Another symptom indicative of angina is heart palpitations. These present as the sensation of your heart pounding, racing, or fluttering.
Some may feel as if their heart is missing a beat or beating irregularly. This unusual perception of one’s heartbeat can often cause distress, leading to further exacerbation of symptoms.
Palpitations in angina are a direct result of the heart’s response to insufficient blood flow. As blockages in the coronary arteries restrict blood flow, the heart receives less oxygen.
The heart’s natural response is to try and compensate for this lack by beating faster, hoping to increase the flow of blood and, consequently, oxygen. This heightened activity can then lead to palpitations, a clear S.O.S signal from the heart that something is amiss.
It’s important to note that not all palpitations point towards angina or another heart condition. Anxiety, stress, excessive caffeine, or alcohol intake can also lead to palpitations. However, if palpitations occur frequently, last for extended periods, or are associated with other angina symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or dizziness, they could indicate a heart condition like angina.
The critical aspect here is recognizing the difference between occasional, brief palpitations resulting from benign causes, and frequent, long-lasting palpitations that could be indicative of a more serious underlying condition. The latter scenario merits medical attention, especially if other angina symptoms accompany the palpitations.
To summarize, while palpitations can be a common response to various triggers, persistent palpitations combined with other angina symptoms warrant medical investigation. Being vigilant about such symptoms and seeking medical advice can lead to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of potential heart conditions like angina, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life. (8)
