Palpitations
Understanding your hearts rhythm
Palpitations may be experienced as sensations of an irregular, rapid, skipping or pounding heartbeat that you can feel in your chest, throat, or neck. While they can be unsettling, they are often harmless. However, in some cases, palpitations may indicate an underlying heart condition that requires attention.
What do palpitations feel like
Palpitations can feel like:
- A racing heart.
- Fluttering or pounding in your chest.
- Skipping beats or sudden, irregular heart rhythms.
They may last for a few seconds or persist for longer periods and can be triggered by various factors, including stress, anxiety, caffeine, exercise, or certain medications. In some instances, they can occur without any obvious cause.
When to seek help
While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes signal more serious issues, particularly if accompanied by:
- Dizziness or light-headedness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Fainting spells.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult with an expert, such as Dr Ibrar Ahmed at OneMedicine, who has extensive experience in Cardiovascular Medicine. Dr Ahmed’s unique qualifications, including a PhD in Cardiovascular Medicine, make him highly skilled in diagnosing and managing heart conditions related to palpitations.
Cost
- Focused GP appointment(15min) £75
- Standard GP appointment(30min) £120
How palpitations are investigated
- Medical history & physical examination: Dr Ahmed will carefully review your symptoms and health history while conducting a thorough examination of your heart and pulse.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the heart’s electrical activity to detect any abnormal rhythms or underlying cardiac issues.
- Holter monitor or event monitor: These portable devices monitor your heart’s activity continuously over 24 to 48 hours (or longer for an event monitor) to capture intermittent irregular heartbeats.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can reveal thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalances, or other conditions contributing to palpitations.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images, allowing us to assess heart structure and function to rule out any abnormalities.
Advanced Diagnostic
At OneMedicine, we offer a comprehensive range of tests to accurately diagnose the cause of your chest pain:
- Exercise ECG (Stress Test):
This test monitors your heart while you walk on a treadmill, gradually increasing in intensity. It helps assess how your heart responds to stress and whether narrowed blood vessels are the cause of your chest pain.
- Exercise ECG (Stress Test):
- Implantable Cardiac Monitoring System:
For patients experiencing infrequent symptoms that require long-term monitoring.
- Implantable Cardiac Monitoring System:
- CT Coronary Angiogram:
A non-invasive option, this test uses a CT scan to focus on your heart’s arteries and provides a calcium score, indicating the level of calcium buildup. This test is particularly useful for those with a lower risk of heart disease and can help rule out heart-related causes of chest pain.
Managing palpitations - personalised treatment
- Lifestyle modifications: Reducing stress, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, and practicing relaxation techniques can help reduce the frequency of palpitations.
- Medications: If necessary, medications may be prescribed to control palpitations or manage any underlying heart conditions.
- Avoiding triggers: Identifying and steering clear of known triggers, such as specific foods or activities, can prevent future episodes.
- Advanced treatments: In cases of severe or persistent palpitations, treatments like cardioversion or catheter ablation may be recommended to restore normal heart rhythm.
Expert Cardiovascular Health!
At OneMedicine, Dr Ahmed’s extensive background in Cardiology and experience in managing complex heart conditions ensure that you receive comprehensive, expert care for your palpitations. From diagnosis to treatment, Dr Ahmed takes a holistic approach to cardiovascular health, focusing on your unique needs and long-term well-being.
