Health

New insights highlight the importance of early diagnosis for women experiencing heart palpitations and menopausal symptoms

Sunday, 26 October 2025 1:04AM UTC

Expert advice underscores the critical need for prompt diagnosis of heart palpitations and menopause-related symptoms, highlighting complex hormonal, physical, and lifestyle factors affecting women's health and long-term wellbeing.

Heart palpitations, often described as a fluttering or racing sensation in the chest, are a common concern that can provoke significant anxiety. Regardless of age, medical experts emphasise the importance of consulting a GP to explore underlying causes, as the sensation can stem from a variety of factors—some benign, others requiring treatment. The body’s natural fight-or-flight response reacts to a racing heart with fear, which explains why the experience is often unsettling.

One of the most frequent causes of palpitations is anxiety, which triggers the autonomic nervous system to increase heart rate. However, health professionals stress the necessity of ruling out physical causes first, as palpitations may arise from changes in heart rhythm such as tachycardia—where the heart beats too fast—or ectopic beats, extra heartbeats that disrupt normal rhythm. Conditions like atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart-rhythm disorder, are especially important to diagnose early because they increase the risk of serious complications including heart attack and stroke. Diagnostic tools like ECG monitors, often worn for 24 hours or longer, are crucial to capture heart activity during palpitation episodes and help guide treatment decisions. Blood tests may also be conducted to check for other contributory medical problems such as anaemia or thyroid disease. Lifestyle factors including alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine are known to exacerbate symptoms, and medication side effects should also be evaluated.

Hair loss in women, particularly postmenopausal women or those in their seventies and beyond, can be multifactorial. It may relate to medical conditions such as thyroid disease or iron deficiency, fungal infections, or hormonal changes, including reduced oestrogen which accompanies menopause. Age-related hair loss is common, affecting up to half of women over 70, often linked to female-pattern hair loss that causes thinning around the crown and wider partings. Genetics, stress, smoking, and sun exposure further influence hair health. Nutritional factors such as iron, B vitamins, zinc, and selenium play a supportive role, while topical treatments like antifungal shampoos or minoxidil, an FDA-approved medication for female-pattern hair loss, may be beneficial.

For symptoms that occur periodically, such as a raised pulse and dry mouth experienced every few weeks, the possibility of premenstrual disorders should be considered. Symptoms related to the menstrual cycle can vary considerably and include physical manifestations like increased heart rate and dry mouth, often linked to anxiety. Alternatively, allergic reactions or intolerances to foods, alcohol, or environmental triggers could cause recurrent episodes. Detailed symptom diaries and close consultation with healthcare providers can assist in identifying triggers, including psychological stressors or trauma responses.

Menopause brings further considerations for women’s cardiovascular health. Following menopause, the decrease in oestrogen removes a natural protective barrier, increasing vulnerability to heart disease and stroke. This has led to NHS initiatives integrating menopause questions into health checks for those over 40, with particular emphasis on women who experience early menopause. Managing cardiovascular risk factors during and after menopause through lifestyle measures—such as balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, stress reduction, and limiting salt and alcohol intake—is critical. Where lifestyle changes prove insufficient, medications may be recommended by healthcare professionals.

In the broader context of managing menopausal symptoms, nutrition and supportive lifestyle strategies are vital. Health authorities including the British Nutrition Foundation recommend maintaining a healthy weight to mitigate hot flushes, engaging in regular aerobic and strength-building exercise to support cardiovascular and bone health, and adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing processed foods and excess salt.

Overall, heart palpitations and associated menopausal symptoms underscore the complex interplay of physical, psychological, and hormonal factors in women's health. Early medical consultation remains the cornerstone to accurate diagnosis and effective management, with tailored support for symptom relief and prevention of long-term complications.

📌 Reference Map:

Paragraph 1 – ^[1] (Daily Mail), ^[2] (Cleveland Clinic)
Paragraph 2 – ^[1] (Daily Mail), ^[2] (Cleveland Clinic), ^[3] (Mayo Clinic)
Paragraph 3 – ^[1] (Daily Mail), ^[5] (Hormone Health Network)
Paragraph 4 – ^[1] (Daily Mail)
Paragraph 5 – ^[1] (Daily Mail), ^[4] (Mayo Clinic)
Paragraph 6 – ^[1] (Daily Mail), ^[6] (British Nutrition Foundation), ^[7] (NHS)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15226397/heart-palpitations-attack-health-doctor-advice-GP.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21677-heart-palpitations-and-anxiety - This article from the Cleveland Clinic discusses the relationship between anxiety and heart palpitations. It explains that anxiety can activate the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fluttering, irregular heartbeat, and pounding sensations in the chest. The piece also outlines diagnostic approaches, including physical examinations and tests like ECGs, to determine if palpitations are anxiety-induced or due to other health issues. It emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373201 - The Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive information on diagnosing and treating heart palpitations. The article details the diagnostic process, which may involve a physical exam, medical history review, and tests such as ECGs and Holter monitoring. It also covers treatment options, including medications to control heart rate and rhythm, and procedures like cardioversion. The piece underscores the significance of addressing palpitations to prevent potential complications like stroke and heart failure.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/menopause-and-high-blood-pressure/FAQ-20058406 - This Mayo Clinic article explores the connection between menopause and high blood pressure. It explains that hormonal changes during menopause can lead to weight gain and increased sensitivity to salt, both contributing to elevated blood pressure. The piece offers lifestyle recommendations to manage blood pressure, such as maintaining a healthy weight, consuming heart-healthy foods, exercising regularly, managing stress, and limiting alcohol intake. It also mentions that, if necessary, healthcare providers may suggest medications to help lower blood pressure.
https://www.endocrine.org/menopausemap/signs-and-symptoms/index.html - The Hormone Health Network outlines various signs and symptoms associated with menopause. The article highlights that many women experience changes to their hair, including hair loss, due to hormonal fluctuations. It suggests that stress and a decline in estrogen and progesterone hormones can trigger an increase in androgens, leading to hair follicle shrinkage and hair loss. The piece also provides tips to manage hair loss, such as ensuring adequate intake of iron, protein, vitamin C, and vitamin B, and consulting a healthcare provider for appropriate treatments.
https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutrition-for/women/menopause/managing-menopause-symptoms-with-nutrition-and-diet/ - This article from the British Nutrition Foundation discusses managing menopause symptoms through nutrition and diet. It emphasizes that maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes. The piece recommends regular physical activity, including both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises, to support heart and bone health. It also advises on dietary choices, such as consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limiting salt and processed foods to manage blood pressure.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/ - The NHS provides an overview of common symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause. The article lists symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, headaches, muscle aches, joint pains, and changes in body shape and weight. It advises individuals experiencing these symptoms to consult a GP or nurse for appropriate management and treatment options. The piece also notes that symptoms can last for months or years and may change over time, highlighting the importance of seeking medical advice early to reduce their impact.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative presents information on heart palpitations and menopausal symptoms that aligns with existing medical literature. The NHS provides similar details on heart palpitations and menopause symptoms. ([nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/heart-palpitations/?utm_source=openai)) The Mayo Clinic also discusses these topics extensively. ([mayoclinic.org](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/symptoms-causes/syc-20373196?utm_source=openai)) The presence of specific data points and quotes suggests that the content may have been republished or adapted from these sources. The inclusion of updated data may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative includes direct quotes that appear to be sourced from reputable medical institutions. However, without access to the original Daily Mail article, it's challenging to verify the exact wording and attribution of these quotes. The presence of identical quotes in earlier material suggests potential reuse.

Source reliability

Score: 5

Notes: The narrative references reputable medical institutions such as the NHS and Mayo Clinic. However, the original source of the narrative, the Daily Mail, is known for sensationalist reporting, which raises concerns about the overall reliability of the information presented.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims regarding heart palpitations and menopausal symptoms are consistent with established medical knowledge. The NHS and Mayo Clinic provide similar information on these topics. ([nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/heart-palpitations/?utm_source=openai)) The narrative's alignment with reputable sources supports its plausibility.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents information on heart palpitations and menopausal symptoms that aligns with existing medical literature. However, the reliance on a source known for sensationalist reporting and the potential reuse of content from reputable medical institutions raise concerns about the overall reliability and originality of the information. Further verification is needed to confirm the accuracy and originality of the content.

Heart health
Women’s health
Menopause