Marine recommends coordinating an electrocardiogram ECG with the irregular heart beat symptoms the patient is having by using a Holter or event monitor. A Holter monitor is a portable machine you would carry in your pocket or small pouch around your neck or waist for 24 to 48 hours. Electrodes connect your chest to the monitor wires to record your heart rhythms.
An event monitor records heart rhythms for a longer span of time about a month. The patient activates the monitor whenever he or she experiences an irregular heartbeat. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and underlying cause of the palpitation, your doctor will typically recommend one of three treatment options:.
Other outpatient procedures include cardioversion electric shock sent to the chest wall to synchronize the heartbeat to a normal rhythm , and an implantable defibrillator a special type of pacemaker that automatically detects and terminates ventricular arrhythmias associated with heart disease. Relaxation techniques and reassurance from a physician — I find that both are very helpful when the cause of palpitations is benign.
Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What are palpitations? A few common types: Supraventricular tachycardia — A rapid heart rate originating above the ventricles lower heart chambers. The following conditions make you more likely to have an abnormal heart rhythm: Known heart disease at the time the palpitations begin Significant risk factors for heart disease An abnormal heart valve An electrolyte abnormality in your blood -- for example, a low potassium level.
Heart palpitations can be due to: Anxiety, stress, panic attack, or fear Caffeine intake Cocaine or other illegal drugs Decongestant medications, such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine Diet pills Exercise Fever Nicotine intake However, some palpitations are due to an abnormal heart rhythm, which may be caused by: Heart disease Abnormal heart valve, such as mitral valve prolapse Abnormal blood level of potassium Certain medicines, including those used to treat asthma, high blood pressure, or heart problems Overactive thyroid Low level of oxygen in your blood.
Things you can do to limit palpitations include: Lower your intake of caffeine and nicotine. This will often reduce heart palpitations. Learn to reduce stress and anxiety. This can help prevent palpitations and help you better manage them when they occur. Try deep relaxation or breathing exercises. Practice yoga, meditation, or tai chi. Get regular exercise. Do not smoke. When to Contact a Medical Professional. If you have never had heart palpitations before, see your provider.
Call or the local emergency number if you have: Loss of alertness consciousness Chest pain Shortness of breath Unusual sweating Dizziness or lightheadedness Call your provider right away if: You often feel extra heartbeats more than 6 per minute or coming in groups of 3 or more.
You have risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure. You have new or different heart palpitations. Your pulse is more than beats per minute without exercise, anxiety, or fever. You have related symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint, or loss of consciousness.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit. Your provider will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. You may be asked: Do you feel skipped or stopped beats?
Does your heart rate feel slow or fast when you have the palpitations? Some heart palpitations are harmless, but they can indicate an underlying illness when you also have:. Seek medical attention right away if you have heart palpitations and a diagnosed heart problem.
Also seek medical attention if you have palpitations that occur with other symptoms such as:. Your doctor will conduct a thorough physical exam to identify a cause. Be prepared to answer questions about your:. 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.
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