It is recommended to seek medical attention, if the heart palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, and/or dizziness.

Heart palpitations can become a relevant symptom experienced during perimenopause, as a result of decreases in estrogen levels. It has been scientifically proven that decrease in estrogen production can be associated with increased heart rates and increased rates of palpitations and arrhythmias. Perimenopause and menopause do not cause heart disease, but the decrease in estrogen production levels may result in blood vessels losing their flexibility, which is usually seen to benefit the inner layer of the artery wall. Therefore, as menopause progresses, women can become more susceptible to developing a heart disease. 

When studying menopausal/perimenopausal symptoms, heart palpitations are often associated with hot flashes rather than its own individual symptom of perimenopause. This trend of grouping the two symptoms together has led to episodes of heart palpitations to be ignored by healthcare providers. This is not ideal, because it could lead to ignorance of potential underlying health issues. Heart palpitations (racing heart) can occur due to rising body temperature, but it is important to assess symptoms and isolate heart palpitations as its own phenomenon, if necessary. It is up to you, as well as your healthcare provider to do so.

-Written by Kaila An MPH