Why is My Heart Twitching?
Heart twitching, often felt as a fluttering or skipping beat, can have several causes. It's crucial to understand that this sensation doesn't always indicate a serious problem, but it warrants investigation to rule out underlying conditions.
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Benign Extra Beats: Many people experience occasional extra heartbeats (palpitations) that are harmless. These are often caused by temporary electrical disturbances in the heart's rhythm. Stress, caffeine, and alcohol can trigger them.
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Coronary Artery Spasm: As noted in multiple sources (Cleveland Clinic, MedlinePlus, Penn Medicine, Mayo Clinic, British Heart Foundation), this involves a sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. This spasm, due to a squeezing of muscles in the artery wall, can cause chest pain (angina) and an irregular heartbeat. It's important to note that this spasm can occur even if coronary arteries appear normal during some tests.
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Underlying Heart Conditions: While less common, heart twitching could sometimes signal a more serious underlying heart condition such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common type of irregular heartbeat (American Heart Association). AFib is characterized by a quivering or fluttering heartbeat.
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Muscle Twitching Near the Heart: Sometimes, the sensation of a "heart twitch" might actually be a muscle twitch near the heart, for example, in the pectoral muscles (Reddit discussion). This is often benign but can be anxiety-provoking.
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Other Factors: Stress, anxiety, certain medications, alcohol withdrawal, exposure to cold, and stimulant drugs can all contribute to heart palpitations and irregular heartbeats (Penn Medicine).
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience frequent or severe heart twitching, particularly accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention. A doctor can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
