Heart palpitations are the sensation of feeling your heart beating unusually fast, strongly, irregularly, or differently from its normal rhythm. They may feel like a racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping heartbeat and can sometimes be felt in the chest, throat, or neck. A healthy adult heart normally beats about 60 to 100 times per minute at rest, although the heart rate can naturally change depending on physical activity, emotions, stress, caffeine intake, medications, and other factors. Palpitations can occur suddenly and may last for only a few seconds or continue for several minutes or longer. Although experiencing a sudden or strong heartbeat can be alarming, palpitations are often temporary and may occur without indicating a serious heart problem.

However, when they are accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or significant dizziness, medical evaluation is important. In this article, we explore Heart Palpitations in Persian Traditional Medicine, including the traditional understanding of their possible causes, commonly described symptoms, dietary considerations, and traditional recommendations. For ACPFOOD, examining these traditional perspectives also provides an opportunity to explore the historical use of medicinal and aromatic plants, herbs, and other natural ingredients in Persian Traditional Medicine.

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Causes of Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations can have many different causes. In some cases, they are related to temporary changes in the body or emotional state and do not indicate an underlying heart condition. In other cases, however, palpitations may be associated with medical conditions, medications, or problems affecting the heart. Common factors and conditions that may cause or contribute to heart palpitations include the following:

Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress, anxiety, fear, nervousness, and sudden excitement can stimulate the body’s stress response and increase heart rate or make the heartbeat feel more noticeable.
Anger: Strong emotions such as anger can temporarily increase the heart rate and cause a sensation of a pounding or racing heartbeat.
Nicotine consumption: Smoking and other forms of nicotine can stimulate the cardiovascular system and may cause a faster or more noticeable heartbeat.
Excessive caffeine consumption: Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other caffeinated products may trigger palpitations in some people, particularly when consumed in large amounts.
Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can affect the heart’s rhythm and may contribute to episodes of palpitations.
Chocolate: Chocolate contains caffeine and other stimulatory compounds, so consuming large amounts may trigger palpitations in some individuals.
Excessive exercise: Physical activity naturally increases the heart rate, but unusually intense or prolonged exercise may sometimes be associated with palpitations.
Standing for long periods: Remaining upright for extended periods can affect circulation and, in some people, may be accompanied by an increased heart rate or awareness of the heartbeat.
Low blood sugar: A significant drop in blood glucose can activate the body’s stress response, potentially causing a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and other symptoms.
Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive loss of fluids can reduce blood volume and make the heart beat faster or more forcefully.
Potassium deficiency: Low potassium levels can interfere with the normal electrical activity of the heart and may contribute to abnormal heart rhythms.
Fever: An elevated body temperature commonly increases the heart rate and can make the heartbeat more noticeable.
Anemia: When the blood does not carry enough oxygen, the heart may compensate by beating faster, which can result in palpitations.
Pregnancy: Hormonal and circulatory changes during pregnancy naturally increase the workload on the cardiovascular system and may make heartbeats more noticeable.
Menopause: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can be accompanied by episodes of palpitations, particularly during hot flashes or periods of increased stress.
Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can increase metabolism and stimulate the cardiovascular system, potentially causing a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Menopause and hyperthyroidism can therefore be associated with palpitations for different physiological reasons.
Certain medications: Some medications may increase heart rate or affect heart rhythm. These can include stimulants such as amphetamines and some weight-loss medications, certain cough and cold medicines, thyroid hormones, digoxin, some asthma medications, and other drugs. The effect depends on the specific medication, dose, and individual circumstances.
Dietary supplements: Certain supplements, particularly those containing stimulant ingredients or high amounts of caffeine, may contribute to palpitations in some people.
Drug abuse: The use or misuse of stimulant drugs and other recreational substances can significantly affect heart rate and rhythm and may cause palpitations.
Gastroesophageal reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux may sometimes be associated with a sensation of palpitations or increased awareness of the heartbeat, although the relationship between reflux and palpitations can vary from person to person.
Eating certain foods: Some individuals report palpitations after consuming meals that are particularly rich in carbohydrates or fats. Foods containing high amounts of monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates, or sodium may also be reported as triggers in susceptible individuals.

Heart palpitations can also be associated with conditions that directly affect the structure or function of the heart. These include mitral valve prolapse, a history of heart attack, coronary artery disease or blockage of the coronary arteries, heart failure, heart valve disorders, and diseases affecting the heart muscle. Mitral valve problems can sometimes interfere with normal blood flow and may be accompanied by palpitations.

It is important to remember that the same trigger does not affect everyone in the same way. Some people may experience palpitations after caffeine, emotional stress, certain foods, or physical activity, while others may have no noticeable response. Likewise, palpitations can occasionally occur without an obvious trigger. Persistent, recurrent, or unexplained palpitations, especially when accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or shortness of breath, should be medically evaluated to determine their underlying cause.

Understanding the possible causes of heart palpitations is also important when examining the subject from the perspective of Heart Palpitations in Persian Traditional Medicine. Traditional medical systems may interpret symptoms and contributing factors differently from modern medicine, and these traditional explanations should be considered within their historical and theoretical framework.

Symptoms of Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations can be experienced in different ways, depending on their underlying cause, duration, and intensity. Some people notice only a brief sensation of their heart racing or pounding, while others may experience additional symptoms. The heartbeat may feel unusually strong, fast, fluttering, irregular, or as though the heart is skipping a beat. These sensations may be felt in the chest and can sometimes be noticed in the throat or neck.

Common symptoms that may occur with heart palpitations include:

Shortness of breath: A person may feel unable to take a satisfying breath or may become short of breath during an episode of palpitations.
Feeling tired during physical activity: Palpitations may be accompanied by reduced exercise tolerance or unusual tiredness during activities that would normally be manageable.
Weakness: Some people may experience a general feeling of weakness during or shortly after an episode.
Fatigue: Recurrent palpitations or an underlying condition causing them may be associated with persistent tiredness and reduced energy.
Chest pain or discomfort: Some people may experience chest discomfort together with palpitations. Chest pain, particularly when it is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, requires prompt medical attention.
Confusion and memory problems: Changes in circulation or other underlying conditions may sometimes be accompanied by difficulty concentrating, confusion, or problems with memory.
Dizziness: A person may feel lightheaded, unsteady, or dizzy during an episode, particularly when the heart rhythm affects the amount of blood being circulated effectively.

The symptoms associated with heart palpitations can vary considerably from one person to another. An episode may last only a few seconds or may continue for several minutes or longer, and some people may have palpitations without any other symptoms. The presence of additional symptoms can sometimes provide important information about what may be contributing to the palpitations.

From the perspective of Heart Palpitations in Persian Traditional Medicine, symptoms may be described and interpreted according to the traditional understanding of the heart, circulation, temperament, and other bodily factors. The following sections examine these traditional perspectives and the recommendations described in Persian Traditional Medicine.

General Recommendations of Traditional Medicine Regarding Heart Palpitations

In Persian Traditional Medicine, dietary habits, digestion, emotional states, sleep, and environmental factors are considered important when addressing symptoms such as heart palpitations. Traditional recommendations may vary according to an individual’s temperament and the factors believed to be contributing to the palpitations. Some of the general recommendations described in this traditional medical framework include the following:

Eating Smaller Amounts of Food

Avoiding overeating and eating smaller amounts of food is traditionally recommended for people who are susceptible to heart palpitations. Heavy meals and excessive food consumption are considered unfavorable because they may place an additional burden on digestion. Eating moderate portions and allowing sufficient time between meals may therefore be emphasized in traditional dietary recommendations.

Choosing Easily Digestible Foods

Persian Traditional Medicine generally places considerable importance on digestion. For people experiencing heart palpitations, eating foods that are considered easy to digest is traditionally recommended. Lighter meals may be preferred over heavy or difficult-to-digest foods, particularly when digestive discomfort appears to coincide with episodes of palpitations.

Soups and Foods with Less Meat

Traditional recommendations may include soups and other relatively light foods without meat. For individuals who are accustomed to eating meat, certain meats are traditionally considered more suitable, including the meat of birds such as chicken and partridge. The choice of food may also depend on the individual’s temperament and digestive condition within the traditional framework.

Paying Attention to Foods That Cause Gas

Digestive discomfort and excessive gas are also considered relevant in some traditional approaches to heart palpitations. Therefore, attention may be given to foods that cause bloating or excessive flatulence in a particular individual. Avoiding foods that consistently produce digestive discomfort may be recommended as part of a broader effort to maintain comfortable digestion.

Avoiding Spicy Foods and Hot Spices

Avoiding very spicy foods and strongly hot spices is another traditional recommendation. In Persian Traditional Medicine, certain spices and foods are classified according to their traditional qualities, including their perceived warmth and dryness. For people considered susceptible to heart palpitations, excessively hot or spicy foods may therefore be restricted.

Avoiding Alcoholic Beverages

Avoiding alcoholic beverages is also included among the general recommendations regarding heart palpitations. Alcohol can affect the cardiovascular system and may trigger or worsen palpitations in some people. From the traditional perspective described in this article, avoiding alcohol is therefore considered appropriate for individuals experiencing this symptom.

Smelling Rose Water

Smelling rose water is a traditional recommendation associated with calming and refreshing the individual. Rose and rose water have a long history of use in Persian Traditional Medicine, particularly in traditional preparations and practices related to emotional well-being. In the traditional framework, pleasant aromatic substances are believed to have a relatively rapid influence on the heart and may therefore be recommended when palpitations are associated with emotional distress.

Using Aromatic Incense According to Temperament

The use of aromatic substances and incense is another traditional recommendation, with the choice being adjusted according to a person’s temperament. According to Persian Traditional Medicine, individuals with a hot temperament may traditionally be advised to use incenses considered cold, such as rose, camphor, and sandalwood. Conversely, for individuals with a cold temperament, warmer aromatic substances such as cinnamon, amber, terebinth, White Fasoukh, and wild rue may traditionally be used.

This recommendation is based on the traditional belief that the effects of aromatic substances reach the heart rapidly through the sense of smell. The selection of incense according to temperament is therefore considered an important part of this traditional approach rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

Managing Emotional Stress

Persian Traditional Medicine also places significant emphasis on emotional and mental factors when discussing heart palpitations. Strong emotions such as fear, anger, stress, and anxiety are traditionally considered capable of contributing to or aggravating palpitations. For individuals who are susceptible to this symptom, maintaining a calm emotional state is therefore emphasized.

Avoiding stressful work and activities, reducing exposure to stressful environments, and maintaining adequate sleep are also traditionally recommended. Insomnia and prolonged emotional stress are considered unfavorable because they may disturb the body’s overall balance and contribute to symptoms such as an uncomfortable or noticeably strong heartbeat.

Overall, these recommendations reflect the traditional Persian medical understanding of factors that may influence heart palpitations. They emphasize moderation in eating, comfortable digestion, appropriate food choices, pleasant aromas, consideration of individual temperament, emotional calmness, and adequate sleep. These traditional recommendations should be understood within the theoretical framework of Persian Traditional Medicine and are distinct from modern medical evaluation and treatment of heart palpitations.

Foods Traditionally Recommended for Heart Palpitations

In Persian Traditional Medicine, certain foods and traditional preparations are recommended for people who experience heart palpitations. These recommendations are generally based on the traditional qualities attributed to foods, their perceived effects on the heart and nervous system, and their suitability for an individual’s temperament. The following foods and preparations are among those traditionally mentioned for people susceptible to heart palpitations.

Meats and Nuts

Traditional recommendations may include moderate amounts of certain meats, particularly lamb, goat, and poultry. The choice and quantity of meat may depend on the individual’s temperament, digestive condition, and usual dietary habits.

Various nuts are also traditionally considered suitable foods, including almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts. These foods are nutrient-dense and have long been incorporated into Persian dietary traditions. Non-acidic green raisins are another traditionally recommended food and may be consumed alone or as part of traditional preparations.

Fruits and Fruit-Based Foods

Several fruits are traditionally recommended in connection with heart palpitations. These include jujube, sweet grapes, pears, apples, carrots, beets, and quince. Apples may be consumed either raw or cooked, while traditional preparations such as apple jam and apple syrup are also included among the recommended foods.

Quince has a particularly important place in traditional Persian dietary practices. It may be consumed as fresh or dried fruit or prepared in the form of quince jam. Other traditional fruit preparations mentioned in this context include pineapple jam and orange blossom jam.

Jujube, a fruit traditionally used in Persian medicine and dietary preparations, is also included among the recommended foods. Dried jujube can be incorporated into various traditional preparations.

Pomegranate and Traditional Fruit Preparations

Sour-sweet pomegranate juice combined with rock candy and musk willow hydrosol is another traditional preparation mentioned for heart palpitations. Pomegranate has a long history in Persian food culture and traditional medicine and is used in many different beverages and culinary preparations.

Goleghand, a traditional preparation made primarily from Damask rose petals and sugar, is also included among the foods traditionally recommended in this context. Such preparations have historically been valued not only as foods but also as traditional remedies and refreshing preparations.

Rose Water and Aromatic Preparations

Rose water has a particularly prominent place in Persian traditional practices. It is traditionally valued for its pleasant aroma and is commonly used in beverages, desserts, and various traditional preparations. Rose water syrup is another preparation traditionally mentioned for people experiencing heart palpitations.

The traditional use of rose water is closely connected with the Persian understanding of pleasant aromas and their perceived effects on the heart and emotional state. This is also consistent with the recommendation to smell rose water discussed in the previous section.

Seeds and Herbal Preparations

Several seeds and medicinal plants are also included among the traditional recommendations. These include basil seeds and Lallemantia seeds, which have a long history of use in traditional Persian food and herbal preparations.

Lemon balm is another plant traditionally used in preparations associated with relaxation and emotional well-being. In Persian Traditional Medicine, aromatic and medicinal plants have historically been incorporated into beverages, syrups, and other preparations according to their traditional properties and the individual’s temperament.

Traditional Syrups

Traditional syrups are another important category of preparations mentioned for heart palpitations. These include rose water syrup and borage syrup. Borage has a long history of traditional use in Persian herbal practices and is commonly prepared as a syrup or herbal beverage.

Traditional syrups may combine medicinal plants, flowers, fruits, seeds, sweeteners, and aromatic waters. Their ingredients and preparation methods can vary according to the traditional prescription and the individual’s condition.

Egg Yolk with Sugar

The yolk of a soft-boiled egg combined with powdered sugar is another traditional food preparation mentioned for heart palpitations. Egg yolk has traditionally been regarded as a nourishing food, while its combination with sugar forms part of certain traditional dietary preparations.

Overall, these foods represent the dietary and herbal preparations traditionally recommended in Persian Traditional Medicine for people experiencing heart palpitations. They include meats, nuts, fruits, seeds, aromatic waters, herbal plants, syrups, jams, and other traditional preparations. The recommendations are based on the traditional classification and understanding of foods rather than modern clinical evidence, and individual suitability may vary according to traditional temperament and other factors.

When discussing Heart Palpitations in Persian Traditional Medicine, it is therefore useful to consider these foods within the broader traditional framework presented in this article, rather than viewing any individual food or preparation as a universally applicable treatment for heart palpitations.

Common Traditional Prescriptions for Heart Palpitations

Persian Traditional Medicine has historically described a variety of herbal, dietary, and aromatic preparations for symptoms such as heart palpitations. Traditional physicians selected these preparations according to the individual’s symptoms, temperament, and the condition believed to be responsible for the palpitations. Some traditional prescriptions mentioned in Iranian medical sources include the following:

Rose Hips Hydrosol
For heart palpitations traditionally associated with emotional conditions such as sorrow and depression, half a glass of Rose Hips hydrosol may traditionally be taken every eight hours. This preparation is also mentioned in traditional recommendations when palpitations are accompanied by feelings of chest heaviness and anxiety.
Within the traditional framework, emotional states are believed to influence the condition of the heart, and certain aromatic and floral preparations are therefore traditionally used to provide comfort and support emotional well-being.
Cucumber Juice and Cloves
Another traditional preparation consists of cucumber juice and cloves (Syzygium aromaticum). To prepare it, one glass of fresh cucumber juice, including the skin, is poured into a glass containing 21 cloves. The mixture is then covered with a saucer and kept in the refrigerator for approximately 24 hours.

After 24 hours, the preparation is strained. One additional glass of water and one teaspoon of honey are then added to the liquid. Traditionally, half of the preparation is consumed before breakfast, while the remaining half is taken approximately two hours afterward.

Steamed Beetroot with White Rock Candy

A traditional beetroot preparation is also described for heart palpitations. The beetroot is first steamed and then peeled. While it is still hot, it is cut into several slices and covered with powdered white rock candy. The slices are then left for a period of time, during which they release a naturally sweet extract.

The resulting sweet liquid is traditionally consumed several times throughout the day for approximately one week. This preparation combines beetroot with rock candy and is included among the traditional dietary preparations used in Iranian Traditional Medicine.

Coriander and Purslane Seeds with Musk Willow Hydrosol

Another traditional prescription combines coriander seeds and purslane seeds with musk willow hydrosol. To prepare it, 10 grams of coriander seeds and 10 grams of purslane seeds are soaked overnight in musk willow hydrosol, from evening until morning.

The soaked seeds are then squeezed thoroughly to extract their liquid. The resulting preparation is traditionally consumed in the morning. This prescription combines several ingredients that have long been used in Persian herbal and traditional preparations.

Lamb or Goat Meat for Palpitations Traditionally Associated with Weakness

When heart palpitations are traditionally attributed to weakness, a nourishing meat preparation may be recommended. One traditional method involves cooking lamb or goat meat after removing its fat and tallow. The cooked meat is then pounded, and the resulting meat juice or extract is consumed.

Another preparation uses goat thigh meat. The meat is cooked until it is partially done and then pounded. Its extract is obtained and combined with cinnamon and sugar, after which the mixture is cooked again over a gentle flame.

Within Persian Traditional Medicine, nourishing meat preparations such as these may traditionally be selected when palpitations are associated with a perceived state of weakness. The specific choice of ingredients and preparation method is understood within the traditional framework of individual temperament and the condition being addressed.

These prescriptions represent traditional Iranian approaches to heart palpitations and reflect the historical use of hydrosols, herbs, seeds, fruits, vegetables, spices, and nourishing foods in Persian Traditional Medicine. They should be understood as traditional remedies rather than established modern medical treatments. Anyone experiencing recurrent, persistent, or unexplained heart palpitations should also seek appropriate medical evaluation, particularly when palpitations occur together with chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Conclusion

Heart Palpitations in Persian Traditional Medicine are discussed within a broader traditional understanding of the relationship between the heart, digestion, emotions, temperament, lifestyle, and overall bodily balance. Traditional Iranian medical sources describe various factors that may contribute to palpitations, including emotional stress, anxiety, excessive eating, unsuitable foods, lack of sleep, and conditions associated with weakness or an individual’s temperament. Accordingly, traditional recommendations emphasize moderate eating, easily digestible foods, appropriate dietary choices, emotional calmness, adequate sleep, and the use of selected aromatic and herbal preparations.

A variety of traditional foods, syrups, hydrosols, seeds, herbs, and other preparations have also historically been recommended for different circumstances associated with heart palpitations. These practices reflect the rich history of Persian Traditional Medicine and the longstanding use of medicinal and aromatic plants in Iranian healthcare traditions. For ACPFOOD, this traditional heritage also highlights the importance of many botanical ingredients that have been valued for generations in herbal preparations, traditional foods, and natural products. While these recommendations provide an interesting perspective on the historical approach to heart palpitations, they should be understood within the traditional medical framework and should not replace modern medical evaluation when palpitations are persistent, recurrent, severe, or accompanied by concerning symptoms.

Resources:

Iranian medicine book, Mohammad Azizkhani, 2018
Tabaye website content collector team

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