Heart Palpitations During Infection – Causes, Mechanisms, and Clinical Significance

Heart palpitations during an infection are a symptom that can occur in the course of infectious diseases and result from the body’s reaction to inflammation. Heart palpitations during an infection are most often associated with an increased heart rate and changes in the functioning of the circulatory system. Scientific studies indicate that this symptom may be related to fever, dehydration, or the action of inflammatory mediators.

• An infection can lead to an increased heart rate and the sensation of palpitations.
• Fever and dehydration increase the burden on the circulatory system.
• Cytokines involved in the body’s inflammatory response affect heart function.
• In some cases, heart palpitations may be a symptom of myocarditis.

See also: Does fever burden the heart – the impact of elevated body temperature on the circulatory system?

Why do heart palpitations occur during an infection?

Heart palpitations during an infection most often occur as a result of an increased heart rate associated with the body’s reaction to the disease.

During an infection, the immune system responds to the presence of microorganisms by initiating an inflammatory response. This process involves the secretion of inflammatory mediators and an increase in the body’s metabolic activity.

One element of this response is the acceleration of heart rate, known as tachycardia. The body increases blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and support the process of fighting the infection.

Increased circulatory activity may be felt by the patient as heart palpitations, which is a subjective feeling of rapid or irregular heartbeat.

How do fever and dehydration affect heart function?

Fever and dehydration are among the most common factors affecting heart function during an infection.

Elevated body temperature increases the body’s demand for oxygen. In response, the heart begins to work faster to ensure adequate blood supply to the tissues.

Additionally, fever is often accompanied by increased fluid loss from the body due to sweating. This can lead to dehydration, which affects the volume of blood circulating in the body.

The effects of dehydration may include:

• Increased burden on the circulatory system
• Accelerated heart rate
• Decreased blood pressure

These changes can cause the sensation of heart palpitations and general weakness.

How do the inflammatory response and cytokines affect the circulatory system?

The inflammatory response during an infection involves the production of biologically active substances known as cytokines.

Cytokines are mediators of the immune response that regulate the course of inflammation and the activity of immune system cells. At the same time, they can affect the functioning of the circulatory system.

Studies indicate that cytokines can influence heart rhythm, vascular tone, and blood pressure regulation.

As a result of the inflammatory response, changes in heart function may occur, which are felt by the patient as palpitations or an accelerated heartbeat.

Can an infection lead to myocarditis?

In some cases, an infection can lead to myocarditis.

This is an inflammatory condition affecting the heart muscle tissue, which can develop during viral or bacterial infections. It is most commonly caused by viruses, including pathogens responsible for diseases such as influenza or COVID-19.

Myocarditis can cause various symptoms related to heart function.

Symptoms may include:

• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue

In some cases, fainting or loss of consciousness may also occur.

What does cardiological diagnostics look like for heart palpitations?

Cardiological diagnostics are necessary when heart palpitations are severe, persist for a long time, or are accompanied by other symptoms.

The doctor may order various tests to assess heart function and detect any complications of the infection.

The most commonly performed tests include:

• ECG to assess heart rhythm
• Echo of the heart to evaluate the structure and function of the heart muscle
• Laboratory tests such as troponins, CRP, or blood morphology

The results of these tests help determine the cause of the symptoms and select appropriate medical management.

When do heart palpitations during an infection require a doctor’s consultation?

A medical consultation is indicated when heart palpitations are severe or additional symptoms suggesting heart dysfunction occur.

This symptom can have various causes, so in some cases, a more thorough assessment of health status is necessary.

Symptoms requiring urgent consultation include:

• Persistent heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Severe fatigue

In such situations, the doctor may decide to conduct further cardiological diagnostics.

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Questions and Answers Section

Can an infection cause heart palpitations?
Yes, an infection can lead to an increased heart rate associated with fever, dehydration, and the body’s inflammatory response.

Is heart palpitations during an infection dangerous?
In many cases, it is a temporary symptom; however, if it persists for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms, a medical consultation is necessary.

Can cold medications cause heart palpitations?
Some preparations containing substances that stimulate the circulatory system may increase heart rate.

When do heart palpitations require cardiological diagnostics?
Diagnostics are indicated when the symptom is severe, persists for an extended period, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting.

Sources

1. Caforio A.L.P. et al. Current state of knowledge on myocarditis. European Heart Journal.
2. Siripanthong B. et al. Recognizing COVID-19–related myocarditis. Heart Rhythm.
3. Kindermann I. et al. Update on myocarditis. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
4. Karjalainen J., Viitasalo M. Fever and cardiac rhythm disturbances. American Journal of Cardiology.
5. Ammirati E. et al. Management of acute myocarditis. Circulation.