ECG Test: What Does It Mean If My ECG Test Is Normal but I Still Feel Heart Palpitations?

Question

A few weeks ago, I started feeling something really strange in my chest. It was not exactly pain, but it felt like my heart was skipping a beat or fluttering suddenly. At first, I ignored it, thinking it was just stress, but it kept happening. Sometimes I feel it when I am lying down at night, other times when I am just sitting still during the day. It does not happen all the time, but when it does, it makes me feel uneasy.

I finally went to the doctor, and they did an ECG test to check my heart. I was really nervous about the results, but when they came back, the doctor told me that everything looked normal. He said there was nothing to worry about, and that my palpitations were probably due to anxiety or caffeine. But if my ECG test is normal, why do I still feel these weird heart sensations?

I started looking into Ayurveda to see if there are natural ways to strengthen the heart and calm the nervous system. Does Ayurveda recognize conditions where a person might experience heart palpitations despite normal test results? Could this be caused by an imbalance in the doshas?

I also wonder if diet has anything to do with it. I drink a lot of coffee, and I have noticed that the palpitations sometimes happen after a few cups. Could caffeine be a trigger, even if my ECG test shows no actual heart problem? I have also been under a lot of stress lately, so I am wondering if anxiety alone can really cause such noticeable heart sensations.

Are there Ayurvedic herbs or treatments that can help regulate the heart’s rhythm? I have heard about Arjuna and Ashwagandha for heart health, but I do not know if they actually work for palpitations. Should I completely stop drinking caffeine? Should I get another ECG test just to be sure?

If anyone has experienced something similar—having a normal ECG test but still feeling heart palpitations—I would really appreciate any advice. I just want to make sure I am not ignoring something serious.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, heart palpitations without any structural heart issues are often linked to an imbalance in Vata or Pitta dosha. Excessive caffeine, stress, and irregular lifestyle habits can aggravate Vata, leading to restlessness, anxiety, and irregular heart sensations. Pitta imbalance, often caused by excessive heat, spicy foods, or emotional strain, can also lead to a feeling of fluttering in the chest. Reducing coffee intake, especially on an empty stomach, and incorporating cooling and grounding foods like coconut water, almonds, and ghee can help. Herbs like Arjuna strengthen the heart, while Ashwagandha and Brahmi help calm the nervous system. Practicing deep breathing, meditation, and gentle yoga can further regulate heart rhythm and ease anxiety. If symptoms persist or worsen, a follow-up check-up is advisable to rule out any underlying concerns.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Heart palpitations, even with a normal ECG test, can still feel unsettling, and Ayurveda does recognize this as a possible imbalance in the doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta. Vata imbalance can cause irregular heart rhythms due to its erratic and anxious nature, while Pitta imbalance (especially from excess caffeine or stress) can create heat and intensity in the heart, leading to fluttering sensations. Since you’ve noticed a connection between caffeine intake and palpitations, it is very likely that coffee is a trigger, as it aggravates both Vata (stimulating the nervous system) and Pitta (increasing heart rate and heat in the body).

Since stress and anxiety can also mimic heart issues, Ayurveda suggests calming and strengthening the heart and nervous system through herbs like Arjuna, known for improving heart function and circulation, and Ashwagandha, which reduces stress and stabilizes energy levels. Brahmi and Jatamansi are also excellent for calming an overactive mind, which may indirectly reduce palpitations. Dietary changes can help as well—switching from coffee to herbal teas like chamomile, tulsi, or licorice root can be beneficial. Grounding foods like warm soups, soaked almonds, ghee, and whole grains can balance Vata and provide heart nourishment.

While your ECG results are normal, if palpitations persist or worsen, it might be worth getting a second test or checking for electrolyte imbalances. But if stress and diet seem to be the primary triggers, Ayurvedic lifestyle practices like Abhyanga (self-massage with warm sesame oil), meditation, and Pranayama (deep breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom) can help regulate your heart’s rhythm naturally.

ECG Test: What Does It Mean If My ECG Test Is Normal but I Still Feel Heart Palpitations? - #15987

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