Patients with arrhythmias often have extra electrical connections, and arrhythmias can occur when the electrical system uses these accessory connections. Instead of the heart beating at a normal rate, these extra electrical connections can cause the heart rate to abruptly race at rates that exceed the normal capacity of the heart.
When this occurs, patients will sense a rapid and uncomfortable increase in their heart rate referred to as palpitations. Not all palpitations are considered abnormal. With rare exception, these single-skipped beats are considered normal.
In contrast, a patient who experiences an abrupt change in heart rate requires further investigation. Palpitations in these scenarios can often be accompanied by discomfort, chest pain, dizziness or even passing-out spells. During an evaluation, your physician will obtain a detailed history with particular attention to symptoms such as discomfort, chest pain, dizziness and fainting.
An electrocardiogram ECG — a non-invasive study that assesses the electrical conduction of the heart in its resting state — likely will be performed during the initial evaluation. Occasionally, even at rest, the ECG can show subtle clues that an extra electrical connection exists.
If the ECG is normal and the details of the history suggest an arrhythmia, ambulatory monitoring may be employed. Ambulatory monitors are wearable devices that serve to capture the electrical activity in the heart during an episode.
Your doctor will instruct you to record any symptomatic events with your device. 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. It can cause the heart to beat very quickly or erratically. Symptoms might include an overly fast pulse and dizziness. Atrial fibrillation — The most common type of arrhythmia, an atrial fibrillation can result in a rapid and erratic heartbeat, which may interfere with blood flow to the ventricles and possibly lead to serious clotting conditions or stroke.
Sometimes you may feel an extra or missed beat. These are known as ectopic beats and are also usually nothing to worry about. In these cases, the palpitations should go away on their own. Avoiding these triggers may help stop them from coming back.
Doing breathing exercises and learning how to deal with a panic attack may help if you're feeling stressed, anxious or panicked. Speak to a GP if you think a medicine may be causing your heart palpitations. But do not stop taking a prescribed treatment without first getting medical advice. Palpitations are sometimes caused by a problem with the heart rhythm arrhythmia , such as:. You do not usually need to see a GP if the palpitations pass quickly and only happen occasionally.
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