Palpitations

What are palpitations?

Palpitations are fast, forceful heartbeats in an irregular rhythm. You may feel like your heart is racing, jumping, throbbing, or fluttering. You may feel extra beats, no beats for a short time, or skipped beats.

What may trigger my palpitations?

Palpitations may be frightening, but are usually not a serious problem. Everyone has skipped heartbeats from time to time. Palpitations can be caused by an electrolyte (mineral) imbalance or heart disease or damage. The following can trigger palpitations:

• Anxiety, stress, or lack of sleep
  
  
• Exercise
  
  
• Medicines, such as diet pills, herbal supplements, cold and allergy remedies, or for blood pressure
  
  
• Caffeine or nicotine
  
  
• Pregnancy
  
  
• Certain medical conditions, such has dehydration, low blood sugar, or anemia

How are palpitations diagnosed?

Your caregiver will ask about your medical history and examine you. He will listen to your heart with a stethoscope. You may also need the following tests:

• Blood and urine tests: Samples of your blood and urine are tested to check the levels of salts and minerals.
  
  
• ECG: This is also called an EKG. An ECG is done to check for damage or problems in your heart. A short period of electrical activity in your heart is recorded.
  
  
• Holter monitor: A Holter monitor is also called an ambulatory ECG monitor. It is a device that you wear while you do your usual activities. The monitor shows your heart's electrical activity, how fast it beats, and if it beats in a regular pattern.
  
  
• Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Caregivers use it to see how your lungs and heart are doing. Caregivers may use the x-ray to look for signs of infection like pneumonia, or to look for collapsed lungs. Chest x-rays may show tumors, broken ribs, or fluid around the heart and lungs.
  
  
• Echocardiogram: This test is a type of ultrasound. Sound waves are used to show the structure, movement, and blood vessels of your heart.
  
  
• Exercise stress test: An exercise stress test helps caregivers see the changes that take place in your heart during exercise. It checks for blockages in the arteries. The test is done while you ride an exercise bike or walk on a treadmill. Caregivers will ask if you have chest pain or trouble breathing during the test.

How are palpitations treated?

You do not usually need treatment unless you have a separate heart condition. You may be given medicine to strengthen or regulate your heartbeat.

What can I do to prevent palpitations?

You may need to make the following lifestyle changes to help decrease palpitation triggers:

• Wellness tips:
  
  
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods: This may help you have more energy and heal faster. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
    
    
  • Drink liquids as directed: Adults should drink between 9 and 13 eight-ounce cups of liquid every day. Ask what amount is best for you. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juice, and milk.
    
    
  • Get plenty of exercise: Talk to your caregiver about the best exercise plan for you. Exercise can decrease your blood pressure and improve your health.
    
    
  • Do not smoke: If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. You are more likely to have heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and other health problems if you smoke. Quitting smoking will improve your health and the health of those around you. If you smoke, ask for information about how to stop.
    
    
  • Manage stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing.
  
  

What are the risks of palpitations?

Some palpitations may be caused by serious heart rhythm problems. If these problems are left untreated, it can increase your chance of heart failure, heart attack, or stroke. Rarely, palpitations are caused by life-threatening health problems.

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver if:

• Your palpitations happen more often or get more intense.
  
  
• You have new or worsening swelling in your feet or ankles.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have pain, pressure, or fullness in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or returns.
  
  
• You have pain or discomfort in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm.
  
  
• You have an upset stomach.
  
  
• You have a sudden cold sweat.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and are short of breath. You have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You cough up blood.
  
  
• You have a painful red lump in your arm or leg.
  
  
• You have weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face.
  
  
• You are confused or have problems speaking or understanding speech.
  
  
• You have a severe headache or feel dizzy.
  
  
• You have vision changes or loss of vision.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Learn more about Palpitations