Palpitations Specialist

What are palpitations?

Palpitations are sensations in your chest where you feel like your heart is beating faster, racing, or pounding. Usually, palpitations aren't due to any serious health issues, but in a few cases, they can be a sign of an underlying heart condition.

Some of the common causes of palpitations include:

• Excessive consumption of caffeine
• Medication side effects
• Hormonal changes
• Overactive thyroid gland
• Anxiety or stress
• Depression
• Blood potassium changes
• Insufficient oxygen in your blood

Complications aren't likely unless your palpitations relate to heart disease or heart valve problems.

What symptoms might occur alongside palpitations?

Palpitations may cause no other problems at all. However, if you have a heart condition, you might experience symptoms such as:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness

You could also suffer from fainting spells or syncope.

What happens during an evaluation for heart palpitations?

When you visit Cary Cardiology, P.A., about your palpitations, your provider begins by performing a comprehensive evaluation and physical exam. 

If they have any concerns about your heart function or are unable to determine the cause of your palpitations, you might need to undergo various diagnostic tests, such as:

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An EKG records the electrical activity that controls your heartbeat.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of your heart that creates images of how it functions.

Stress testing

If a resting EKG or echocardiogram doesn't show any abnormalities, stress testing might be necessary. It involves exercising to raise your heart rate while attached to an EKG or echocardiogram machine.

Holter monitoring and event recording

A Holter monitor is a type of portable EKG device that you wear at home. It continually records your heart's electrical signals. An event recorder is similar, but you activate it only when you're experiencing palpitations.

What treatment might I need if I have palpitations?

In most cases, you won't need medical treatment for your palpitations. Making alterations to your lifestyle, such as dietary changes and cutting out bad habits like smoking, could help reduce your palpitations.

If your palpitations are a symptom of a heart health problem like arrhythmia, you might need to take medications or undergo a procedure like electrical cardioversion or cardiac ablation to help regulate your heartbeat.

To find out why you're having palpitations and make sure you get any heart treatment you need, contact Cary Cardiology, P.A. Call their office or book an appointment online today.