Racing heart + Mother’s Day

Jersey City

May 10, 2024

Hi there!

Suddenly, out of nowhere, my heart started racing. If this has ever happened to you, you know how disconcerting it can be. I was experiencing heart palpitations. Blame it on menopause!

If you’re feeling anxious or have been drinking way too much coffee, that racing heart is a sign to take a deep breath and switch to decaf. But if neither is the case for you and you’re on the menopause journey, then you can attribute your racing heart to menopause. And you’re not alone!

Up to 42% of perimenopausal women and 54% of postmenopausal women experience heart palpitations. So, what exactly are they?

A heart palpitation is a change in the heart’s natural rhythm. Palpitations occur when the heart suddenly speeds up, slows down, or beats erratically. Each beat of your heart is jumpstarted by electrical signals from a specific group of cells. Hormonal fluctuations in estrogen make it difficult for these cells to function properly. As a result, heart palpitations occur.

Even though palpitations only last for a minute or two, that’s enough to be scary. But should you be worried? Probably not.

Heart palpitations are generally nothing to be concerned about, however, if they’re accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness or trouble breathing you need to make an appointment with your doctor.

Even though you know they are caused by hormone fluctuations and are most likely not serious, you want them to stop. They may not be entirely possible but there are a few things you can do to minimize them.

First of all, try to identify what triggers your heart palpitations. Do they occur when you have a strenuous workout, or when you have that extra cup of coffee or when you don’t get enough sleep? Sometimes listening to your body can help you identify your triggers and eliminate them.

In addition to caffeine, spicy foods may also send your heart galloping. If you can’t eliminate them, try deep breathing when they occur to get you through them calmly.

And remember, as with all thing’s menopause, they will eventually disappear.

If you know someone who is suffering from hear palpitations and could benefit from this information, please share it with her.

Be well,

Laura

D

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────

And more...

· This Sunday is Mother’s Day! I want to wish every mom a very happy day. Enjoy your special day. If you’re planning brunch here are some recipes just for you. ​

· Do you like Black Forest Cake? It seems to be loved by everyone. Read about it and if you feel inspired you can make it. Recipe included. If you make it, let me know if it’s as good as they say.

· I believe moms should be celebrated a lot more than one day of the year! Here are some facts about Mother’s Day.