Heart Palpitations Explained: Causes, Symptoms, Natural Remedies & When to See a Holistic Cardiologist

Heart palpitations can stop you in your tracks. That sudden thump, flutter, or racing heartbeat can feel unsettling—even when it lasts only a few seconds. While many episodes are harmless, palpitations may also be your body’s early warning system, signaling a deeper imbalance in your cardiovascular or hormonal system.

As a holistic and integrative cardiologist, Dr. Cynthia Thaik works closely with patients across North Hollywood, Burbank, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and the Kern Valley to uncover not just what is causing palpitations, but why—and how to safely restore balance to the body, mind, and heart.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about heart palpitations treatment, the root causes, symptom patterns, prevention strategies, and when to seek expert care. Whether you are experiencing occasional fluttering or recurring episodes that disrupt your peace of mind, this article offers the clarity and holistic guidance you deserve.



What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are sensations that make you unusually aware of your heartbeat. You may feel like your heart is:

  • Pounding or thumping

  • Fluttering or vibrating

  • Skipping beats

  • Racing suddenly

  • Beating harder than normal—even at rest

These sensations can occur while relaxing, sleeping, working, or exercising. Occasional palpitations are common, but frequent, severe, or persistent episodes require proper evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.

Why Do Heart Palpitations Happen?

Understanding the cause is the foundation of any effective, holistic treatment approach. Palpitations typically stem from one or more of the following categories:

1. Stress, Anxiety & Emotional Overload

Your heart responds instantly to emotional triggers. When the body enters “fight-or-flight” mode, stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol surge, stimulating the heart and affecting rhythm.

Common triggers include:

  • Persistent anxiety

  • Panic attacks

  • Work overload

  • Emotional trauma

  • Chronic stress

Patients in the Greater Los Angeles area—especially busy professionals in Burbank and North Hollywood—often experience palpitations related to lifestyle pressure and nervous system imbalance.

2. Stimulants & Lifestyle Factors

Certain daily habits can overstimulate the heart’s electrical system.

Common culprits:

  • Coffee, energy drinks, and caffeinated teas

  • Alcohol

  • Smoking

  • Recreational drugs

  • Sugary snacks

  • Pre-workout supplements

  • Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Even “healthy” athletes in Bakersfield or the Kern Valley may develop palpitations from excessive stimulant use or inadequate hydration.

3. Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause heart rhythm irregularities—especially in:

  • Pregnancy

  • Menopause

  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

  • Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism is a major cause)

Women frequently seek Dr. Cynthia’s integrative care because she addresses the whole-body relationship between hormones, stress systems, and cardiac rhythm.

4. Underlying Medical Conditions

Sometimes palpitations signal deeper imbalances in the body, including:

  • Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)

  • Anemia

  • Low blood sugar

  • Fever or infection

  • Low potassium or magnesium

  • Heart valve issues

  • Dehydration

  • Cardiomyopathy

  • High or low blood pressure

These require proper testing and expert-directed treatment.

5. Medications That May Trigger Palpitations

Certain prescriptions can overstimulate the heart, including:

  • Asthma inhalers

  • Decongestants

  • Diet pills

  • Thyroid medication

  • ADHD medications

Always speak with a healthcare provider before modifying or discontinuing medication.

How Are Heart Palpitations and Blood Pressure Related?

Many patients worry when palpitations occur alongside changes in blood pressure. The connection depends on the underlying cause.

When Palpitations Raise Blood Pressure

This often occurs due to:

  • Anxiety or panic

  • Adrenaline surges

  • Pain or discomfort

  • Certain arrhythmias

A fast heart rate increases the force of blood pushing against artery walls.

When Palpitations Occur With Low Blood Pressure

This combination can be concerning and may occur due to:

  • Vasovagal response

  • Dehydration

  • Severe electrolyte imbalance

  • Certain arrhythmias

  • Serious cardiac conditions

Symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision require immediate medical attention.

When to Be Concerned

Seek urgent care if palpitations occur with:

  • Chest pain or pressure

  • Shortness of breath

  • Severe dizziness or fainting

  • High blood pressure

  • Sweating or nausea

  • Rapid heart rate lasting more than a few minutes

  • New medication use

These may signal arrhythmias, coronary issues, or other heart emergencies.

Heart Palpitations Treatment Options

A tailored approach is essential. At her North Hollywood clinic, Dr. Cynthia performs a whole-body analysis to identify triggers, diagnose underlying issues, and build a personalized integrative treatment plan.

1. Medical Evaluation

Depending on your symptoms, a cardiologist may recommend:

  • ECG

  • Holter monitor (24–48 hours)

  • Event monitor

  • Echocardiogram

  • Stress test

  • Blood tests for anemia, thyroid issues, and electrolytes

  • Blood pressure analysis

These diagnostic tools help identify arrhythmias, systemic imbalances, and cardiovascular abnormalities.

2. Medical Treatment Options

If needed, Dr. Cynthia may use:

Medication

  • Beta-blockers

  • Calcium channel blockers

  • Anti-arrhythmic drugs

  • Thyroid medications

  • Electrolyte replacement

These help regulate rhythm and stabilize heart function.

Electrolyte Repletion

Correcting magnesium, potassium, and sodium levels is key in many patients—especially those who sweat heavily, consume caffeine, or experience chronic stress.

Treating Underlying Health Conditions

  • Anemia → iron therapy

  • Thyroid issues → hormone treatment

  • High or low blood pressure → cardiovascular management

  • Anxiety → holistic stress management and therapeutic guidance

Addressing the root cause ensures long-term relief.

Holistic & At-Home Remedies: Natural Ways to Calm the Heart

As an integrative cardiologist, Dr. Cynthia blends modern medicine with natural healing approaches, such as:

1. Deep Breathing & Nervous System Resetting

The parasympathetic system slows the heart. Techniques include:

  • Box breathing

  • Diaphragmatic breathing

  • Meditation

  • Guided relaxation

2. Hydration & Electrolyte Balance

Even mild dehydration can trigger palpitations.

3. Nutrition for Heart Rhythm

A diet rich in potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants supports healthy electrical signaling.

Foods include:

  • Leafy greens

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Bananas

  • Avocados

  • Salmon

  • Legumes

4. Limiting Stimulants

Reduce:

  • Caffeine

  • Alcohol

  • Sugary foods

  • Processed snacks

  • Energy drinks

5. Quality Sleep

Improved sleep reduces stress hormones that overstimulate the heart.

Are Heart Palpitations Dangerous?

Most are benign, but some can indicate:

  • Atrial fibrillation

  • Atrial flutter

  • Ventricular tachycardia

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Structural heart issues

If you are unsure, always err on the side of caution and consult a cardiologist.

Preventing Heart Palpitations

A proactive approach includes:

  • Stress management (yoga, meditation, breathwork)

  • Reducing caffeine and sugar

  • Maintaining healthy body weight

  • Staying active

  • Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol

  • Following a heart-healthy diet

  • Monitoring blood pressure regularly

  • Seeing your cardiologist annually

Dr. Cynthia emphasizes prevention over treatment—protecting your long-term heart health through early, holistic care.

Heart Palpitations Treatment at Dr. Cynthia’s Holistic Cardiology Clinic

Patients throughout North Hollywood, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and the Kern Valley trust Dr. Cynthia for her integrative, compassionate approach that blends modern cardiology with functional and holistic medicine.

At her clinic, you receive:

✔ Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation

Cutting-edge testing to identify arrhythmias, nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and cardiovascular stressors.

✔ Personalized & Holistic Treatment Plans

Plans include medical care, nutrition, stress reduction, supplements, and lifestyle corrections tailored to your body.

✔ Medication Management

Safe, evidence-based prescriptions only when necessary.

✔ Root-Cause Healing

Beyond symptom suppression—addressing emotional, biological, and lifestyle triggers.

✔ Preventive Heart Health Programs

Long-term strategies to strengthen cardiovascular function and reduce future risks.

About Dr. Cynthia Thaik, M.D., FACC

Dr. Cynthia is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in:

  • Integrative cardiology

  • Preventive heart care

  • Holistic and functional medicine

  • Women’s heart health

  • Blood pressure disorders

  • Arrhythmia evaluation

  • Stress-related cardiovascular issues

With decades of experience serving patients across Los Angeles County and Kern County, she is known for her compassionate approach, advanced diagnostic methods, and whole-person healing philosophy.

Patients value her ability to combine the precision of modern cardiology with the wisdom of holistic medicine—creating a safe, nurturing path toward optimal heart health.
Location: North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Natural Cure for AFib: Holistic Treatment by Dr. Cynthia Thaik

Image
  Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. Many people rely on medications and invasive procedures to manage AFib, but growing interest in holistic health has led to the exploration of natural cures for AFib . Dr. Cynthia Thaik, a renowned holistic cardiologist in California, offers a comprehensive and integrative approach that focuses on diet, lifestyle changes, stress management, and natural remedies to promote heart health. If you are looking for an alternative to conventional treatments, understanding how a natural cure for AFib can help you is the first step toward better cardiovascular wellness. Understanding AFib and Its Causes AFib occurs when the heart’s electrical signals become erratic, causing an irregular heartbeat. This condition can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure if left untreated. Some ...
Read more

Holistic Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation: Natural and Functional Approaches to Heart Rhythm Health

Image
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, affecting millions of people and significantly increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and reduced quality of life. While conventional cardiology often relies on medications, ablation procedures, or anticoagulants, many patients are now seeking natural treatments for AFib that address the root causes rather than just controlling symptoms. A holistic and functional approach to atrial fibrillation focuses on restoring balance to the body, optimizing heart health, and reducing underlying triggers such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic stress. Working with a functional cardiologist can provide a more personalized, systems-based strategy for managing AFib naturally and safely. Understanding Atrial Fibrillation from a Holistic Perspective Atrial fibrillation occurs when the electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart become chaotic, causing an irregular and o...
Read more

Chest Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment from a Holistic Cardiology Perspective

Image
Chest pain is one of the most alarming symptoms a person can experience. For many, it immediately raises fears of a heart attack or serious heart disease. While chest pain can be life-threatening, it is also important to understand that not all chest pain originates from the heart . In fact, chest discomfort can stem from multiple body systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and nervous systems. From a holistic cardiology standpoint, chest pain is not just a symptom to suppress—it is a signal that deserves careful evaluation, individualized diagnosis, and integrative treatment addressing both physical and emotional contributors. This article explores the common causes of chest pain , how it is accurately diagnosed, and modern treatment approaches that combine conventional cardiology with holistic care. Understanding Chest Pain: What Does It Feel Like? Chest pain can present in many ways, making diagnosis complex. Patients may describe it as: Tig...
Read more