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Can High Blood Pressure Cause Palpitations?

When addressing health concerns, it’s easy to place them in silos, seeking out specialists to solve the problem. Skin troubles? See a dermatologist. Digestive complaints? There’s a gastroenterologist for that. Allergies? Schedule with your allergist.

However, true healing lies in understanding that our body’s organs, cells, and systems are interconnected. For example, skin issues may result from digestive problems. Similarly, heart palpitations can sometimes stem from various areas outside the heart, including the gut, brain, and blood vessels.

Despite their initial appearance as distinct issues, high blood pressure and heart palpitations are more closely connected than one might think. In fact, high blood pressure can significantly contribute to the onset of heart palpitations.

Fortunately, the approach to managing both conditions is the same, and it doesn’t involve popping pills. Instead, adhering to the Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well philosophy is the best solution to blood pressure and heart palpitation woes.

Understanding blood pressure

Blood pressure reflects the strength with which blood presses against artery walls while circulating through the body. As the heart beats, it generates this pressure, propelling blood to flow through the arteries and reach every part of the body.

Blood should flow with ease through the vessels. However, the body adjusts blood pressure as it needs to. For example, it often raises blood pressure in response to stress or exercise to circulate more oxygen throughout the body. A healthy blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the blood pressure consistently reads above this level.

While hypertension is generally more concerning, extremely low blood pressure can also trigger heart problems. If the blood pressure is too low, the heart must work harder to pump oxygenated blood, resulting in a fast or irregular heart rate that manifests as palpitations.

Understanding heart palpitations

The heart is meant to beat rhythmically with little disruptions to the cadence. However, sometimes it falls out of tune. Heart palpitations are abnormal sensations that occur when the heart is out of sync. These irregular beats often feel like a skipped beat, a fluttering, or a pounding sensation in the chest.

Heart palpitations, while common, shouldn’t be considered normal. Rather, they indicate an underlying imbalanced issue in the body. Overlooking frequent palpitations may result in more severe heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), and heighten the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications.

5 ways high blood pressure contributes to heart palpitations

High blood pressure contributes to heart palpitations both directly and indirectly. Five of the most common ways elevated blood pressure affects the rhythm of the heart include:

1. Places more strain on the heart

Consider your heart a pump and the arteries the pipes through which the blood flows. When the pressure in the pipes becomes too high, the pump has to work harder to push the blood through. Eventually, this pump tires out.

Unfortunately, this increased workload causes the heart to beat faster and more forcefully to maintain adequate blood flow. The resulting strain on the heart may cause palpitations.

2. Reduces flexibility of the heart

Persistent high blood pressure often causes the heart muscle to thicken, which in medical terms is called hypertrophy. A thickened heart is less flexible and unable to pump blood as effectively. As the heart attempts to compensate, it pumps harder, which sometimes causes palpitations.

3. Alters electrical pathways

The electricity that runs through the heart typically follows a predictable pathway. However, if the heart changes shape or size, it can alter the normal electrical pathways, sometimes resulting in abnormal rhythms. These arrhythmias may manifest as heart palpitations.

4. Contributes to electrolyte imbalances

Individuals with high blood pressure sometimes grapple with electrolyte imbalances. These crucial elements—potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium—are vital in keeping the heart ticking smoothly.

Electrolyte imbalances can arise from kidney damage brought on by high blood pressure or as an unintended consequence of medications prescribed to keep hypertension in check, especially diuretics. These “water pills” encourage the body to flush out extra fluid via urine, occasionally leading to a shortage of these vital electrolytes. Without the right electrolyte balance, the heart may experience palpitations.

5. Increases stress

High blood pressure can find itself on a two-way street with stress and anxiety—both causing and being caused by these emotional states. Unpleasant emotions trigger the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which bump up the heart rate and blood pressure. This spike can pave the way for heart palpitations to make an unwelcome appearance.

Next Steps

There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer.” Most people don’t know they have it until it’s caused extensive damage. Unfortunately, there are very few obvious outward signs of high blood pressure unless it’s severe. One of the subtle signs of high blood pressure may be heart palpitations.

The good news for individuals with high blood pressure or heart palpitations is that the remedies are the same. Adhering to NHD’s Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well philosophy significantly lessens your risk of both conditions.

If you have high blood pressure and want help lowering it, consider taking our highly recommended online course Natural Treatment Solutions for High Blood Pressure. This course offers education, meal plans, and lifetime access so you can visit it as many times as you’d like. It also offers access to a community of like-minded people who are on the same path as you.

Moreover, if you desire more personalized help with your high blood pressure or heart palpitations, our cardiovascular experts can help you. Consider a free 20-minute health coaching strategy call to learn how our team can help pave the way to your 100 year heart.

In order to live well, one must eat well.

Get the Natural Heart Doctor approved Diet and discover how to eat for your 100 Year Heart.

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About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

Dr. Wolfson Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

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Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

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We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

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Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

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Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

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We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

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Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.