Heart Palpitations at Rest: What Could Be the Possible Causes?

Heart palpitations at rest occur when a person feels their heart beating faster, more forcefully, or irregularly even when they are not physically active. The sensation may feel like the heart is fluttering, beating harder than usual, or occasionally skipping a beat. This condition is medically known as heart palpitations.

Heart palpitations while resting can occur due to temporary changes in the heart’s electrical signals or conduction system. The causes vary, ranging from mild factors such as caffeine consumption to heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). Therefore, it is important to recognize the patterns of palpitations and any accompanying symptoms to determine when medical attention may be necessary.

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What Causes Heart Palpitations at Rest?

Heart palpitations while resting do not always indicate a serious health problem. They can occur when the heart beats too quickly, irregularly, or contracts earlier than expected. In medical terms, these early contractions are known as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or premature atrial contractions (PACs).

Some people also experience palpitations when lying down because certain body positions can affect how strongly they feel their heartbeat. In addition, several other factors may trigger this condition.

Stress and anxiety: Trigger the release of stress hormones, which can increase the heart rate.
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Disrupt the balance of minerals that help regulate the heart’s rhythm.
Certain medications: Decongestants and weight-loss medications may trigger heart palpitations.
Excess body weight: Increases the risk of heart rhythm disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Fever: Increases the body’s metabolic rate, causing the heart to beat faster.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and menopause can trigger changes in heart rate.
Certain foods and drinks: Caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and high-sugar foods may trigger palpitations.
Anemia: Low hemoglobin levels force the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen throughout the body.
Heart disease: Heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and heart valve disorders can cause palpitations.
Arrhythmias: Cause the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or irregularly.
Thyroid disorders: Hyperthyroidism can increase the heart rate even when you are resting.
Low blood pressure or blood sugar: Can trigger bodily responses that cause heart palpitations.
Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle that can disrupt the heart’s electrical system.

What Do Heart Palpitations Feel Like? Recognizing Different Patterns

The sensation of heart palpitations can vary from person to person. The pattern of the heartbeat may sometimes provide clues about the possible underlying cause, such as:

A skipped heartbeat: Feels as though the heart briefly stops beating, followed by a stronger beat. This may be associated with PACs or PVCs.
A very rapid heartbeat: The heart beats quickly and regularly before suddenly returning to its normal rhythm. This may indicate supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
A fluttering or irregular heartbeat: A sensation of fluttering or an unpredictable heartbeat may be associated with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
A forceful heartbeat: A normal heartbeat feels more noticeable, particularly when lying down or resting in a quiet environment.

When Should You Be Concerned About Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations that last only a few seconds to minutes and are not accompanied by other symptoms are often harmless. They may also occur due to stress, caffeine consumption, or hormonal changes and usually resolve on their own.

However, certain conditions should not be ignored and may require medical evaluation, including:

Palpitations that last longer or occur more frequently: The heartbeat remains irregular for several minutes, episodes happen repeatedly, or symptoms become worse.
Accompanying symptoms: Such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, feeling faint, or loss of consciousness.
A history of heart disease: Such as a previous heart attack, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or congenital heart disease.
A family history of heart conditions: Having family members with a history of sudden cardiac death or inherited heart rhythm disorders.

If palpitations occur together with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Mandaya Heart Center: Advanced Diagnostic and Cardiac Ablation Technologies for Heart Rhythm Disorders

The Heart and Vascular Center at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides diagnostic and treatment services for various heart conditions, including heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmias. Supported by comprehensive diagnostic facilities, patients can undergo various examinations to evaluate their heart condition and electrical activity, allowing doctors to determine the most appropriate treatment.

To treat heart rhythm disorders, Mandaya offers cardiac ablation technologies, with options ranging from 2D ablation and 3D ablation to the latest Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) technology. These technologies allow doctors to target the source of abnormal electrical signals in the heart using an approach tailored to the type of arrhythmia and the patient’s individual condition.

With the support of modern medical technology and a team of qualified cardiologists and subspecialists, Mandaya Heart Center is committed to providing comprehensive cardiac care, from examination and diagnosis to interventional procedures for various heart rhythm disorders.

Facilities for Out-of-Town and International Patients at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides various supporting facilities to offer additional comfort and convenience for patients traveling from other cities or countries.

VIP Transport: A pickup service from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, train stations, or seaports to the hospital using comfortable vehicles accompanied by a Patient Experience Officer (PEO).
Medical Ambulance Pickup: Special transportation for patients with specific medical conditions from their arrival point (airport, train station, or seaport), equipped with medical equipment and accompanied by professional healthcare personnel.
Accommodation (Sleep Hub and Apartments): Comfortable accommodation facilities for patients’ families and companions, located on the 8th floor of the Mandaya Royal Puri building, as well as nearby apartment options.
International Patient Relation: Dedicated assistance for international patients, including medical coordination, translation services, and administrative support. For more information and assistance from International Patient Relation, you can call 021 5092 8888 or email [email protected].

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri more convenient, use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application, available for download on Google Play and the App Store. These services make it easier to arrange visits, check queue numbers, and access other important information.

The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general guidance. It does not represent the full range of medical services that each doctor may provide. To ensure that you receive care appropriate to your health condition, we recommend consulting the relevant doctor directly.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.