Palpitations
Palpitations
When your heart skips a beat, flutters rapidly, or pounds in your chest, these sensations are all considered palpitations. While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying heart condition that needs medical attention.
At HeartCare Texas, we provide thorough evaluations to determine the cause of your palpitations. On that basis, we offer personalized treatment plans to manage and alleviate this unsettling symptom. Our goal is to ensure your heart health and peace of mind through our expert care and advanced diagnostic techniques.
What are heart palpitations?
Palpitations describe the feeling of a fluttering or irregularity in your heartbeat. They can be brief, last several minutes, and occur at rest or during activity. While some heart palpitations are harmless, they can also indicate an underlying heart condition.
What is the main cause of palpitations?
Several factors can contribute to palpitations, including:
- Stress, anxiety, or fear
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Dehydration
- Underlying heart conditions, such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Low oxygen or potassium levels
- Certain medications, including thyroid drugs, beta-blockers, and asthma inhalers
What are the symptoms of palpitations?
When your heart feels like it’s fluttering, rapidly pounding, or skipping beats, you may be experiencing heart palpitations. However, these symptoms are even more serious, and you should consult a doctor if you experience:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Frequent heart palpitations
Treating heart palpitations at HeartCare Texas
At HeartCare Texas, our cardiologists will work with you to determine the cause of your palpitations. This may involve a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and diagnostic tests like:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To record your heart's electrical activity and identify any abnormalities.
- Heart monitoring: Heart monitors, like Holter monitor/MCT, or implantable loop recorders may be provided to evaluate for arrhythmia.
- Echocardiogram: To visualize the structure and function of your heart.
- Blood tests and urine tests: To check for electrolyte imbalances or underlying conditions.
Palpitation treatment depends on the underlying causes. In some cases, lifestyle changes like stress management and dietary adjustments may be sufficient. For others with heart disease, medications or even surgery might be necessary to regulate the heart rhythm.
Living a heart-healthy life
Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential regardless of the cause of your palpitations. The following are some great ways to achieve this:
- Regular exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
- Managing stress
- Getting enough sleep
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Don't ignore your heart's messages. If you experience frequent or concerning palpitations, contact Heartcare Texas to schedule an appointment. Early diagnosis and treatment can ensure your heart keeps beating strong for years.