If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a heart specialist called a cardiologist. Tests to help rule out certain diseases or heart problems include:. Treatment depends on the cause of your palpitations. Your doctor will need to address any underlying medical conditions. If your palpitations are due to lifestyle choices such as smoking or consuming too much caffeine, cutting down or eliminating those substances may be all that you need to do. Ask your doctor about alternative medications or treatments if you think medication may be the cause.
Many pregnant women experience heart palpitations because of their increased heart rate. Heart palpitations are usually temporary and harmless sensations, but it's important know know when they could point to a more serious problem. Learn more about the causes of heart palpitations and whether or not acid reflux is likely to be a cause. What is sinus rhythm? Learn how it differs from heart rate and what different rhythms could mean. You may be able to stop heart palpitations with a few simple lifestyle changes.
Learn about 10 home remedies, as well as tips for keeping your heart…. Arrhythmia or any atypical heart rhythm can be potentially life threatening. We explain the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of arrhythmia. Implantable pacemakers can be a valuable tool to keep your heart in rhythm. Learn more about under-the-skin pacemaker implantation in women.
The following terms describe the different types of sensations you may notice in your chest:. Heart palpitations may accompany other symptoms, such as general uneasiness. However, feelings of impending doom may also be symptoms of a heart attack. While heart palpitations in any setting may be concerning, they can be fleeting changes in your heart rate that are responses to various stimuli, rather than symptoms of an underlying health condition.
However, there are some situations when you should see a healthcare professional soon or get emergency medical attention. Many types of heart palpitations are the result of common causes that can get better when the triggers are removed, such as:.
Heart palpitations that occur in the following situations should be of concern but may not be a medical emergency. Because they could be signs of an underlying health condition, you should make an appointment to discuss them with a healthcare professional.
The three main signs that your heart palpitations may be an early sign of a health problem include:. If you have symptoms of a heart attack, you should call or go to a hospital emergency department. Before you see a doctor about heart palpitations, think about how best to describe them pounding, fluttering.
Before going into your appointment, think about the details of your medical history, family medical history, and make a list of all medications and supplements you take. One of the main tests your doctor may recommend to better understand your heart palpitations is an electrocardiogram ECG. Electrodes are placed on your chest to record the electrical signals that regulate your heartbeat. You may also have a stress test, as well as blood tests, to look for signs of thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, and markers for heart disease.
Research published in a journal article found that having an ECG as early as possible after palpitations begin can be critical in diagnosing arrhythmias before they become a serious condition. Treatment for your heart palpitations will depend on their cause. Arrhythmias are sometimes treated with medications. In more serious cases, devices like a pacemaker may be implanted in your chest to regulate your heart rhythm. Heart palpitations can affect anyone.
They can be harmless changes in your heart rate due to exercise, stress, caffeine, or other factors. Some medications may also cause heart arrhythmias, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, asthma, or other heart problems. To make sure your palpitations are not a sign of something more serious, let your healthcare provider know if:.
Most of the time, heart palpitations are nothing to worry about. There are ways to prevent palpitations, such as avoiding known triggers like stress, alcohol, and caffeine. Also, remember that everyone is different, and your triggers may not be the same as another person who has heart palpitations.
If your heart palpitations seem to happen after drinking coffee or after certain types of exercise, then try to avoid these triggers. You know your body best, and if you feel like something is not right, get it checked out. The Penn Heart and Vascular blog provides the latest information on heart disease prevention, nutrition and breakthroughs in cardiovascular care.
December 02, Topics: Heart Conditions and Treatments.
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