Palpitations Specialist

What are palpitations?

Palpitations occur when you can feel your heartbeat. You may feel your heart pounding, racing, or skipping a beat. Many people experience the sensation of their heart fluttering or flip-flopping in their chests.

What causes heart palpitations?  

Many different conditions and circumstances can lead to heart palpitations. You may experience palpitations during exercise or due to stress. Stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and some cough and cold medications can trigger palpitations.

Psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, and panic attacks frequently cause palpitations. You can also develop palpitations due to medical conditions such as thyroid disease, low blood sugar, fever, and electrolyte imbalances.

When it comes to heart conditions, palpitations are caused by:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve disease
• Cardiomyopathy

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia that causes an irregular heart rate and increases your risk of stroke.

Will I have other symptoms along with palpitations?

When your palpitations are due to a heart condition, you may also experience:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Difficulty exercising
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Chest pain

Many people have a hard time deciding when they should see a doctor about palpitations. If you’re not sure about your symptoms, call Arizona Heart Arrhythmia Associates for help.

As a general guideline, you should schedule an appointment when any of these symptoms occur with your palpitations.

How are palpitations diagnosed?

Arizona Heart Arrhythmia Associates begins by reviewing your medical history, asking detailed questions about how your palpitations feel and when they occur, and performing a physical exam.

If they suspect a heart problem, the next step is an electrocardiogram to determine if you have an abnormal heart rhythm. If they identify a problem, you may need further heart testing such as an echocardiogram, electrophysiology studies, angiography, stress testing, or a Holter monitor.

How are palpitations treated?

Treatment for palpitations always targets the underlying cause. If you have a heart condition, your treatment plan may include lifestyle changes, medications to control your heart rate, radiofrequency ablation, cardioversion, and a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.

If you experience palpitations or have any concerns about your symptoms, call Arizona Heart Arrhythmia Associates or schedule an appointment online today.