What are heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are a feeling of rapid, pounding, or racing heartbeats that can sometimes be uncomfortable and cause feelings of shortness of breath or lightheadedness. They may also feel like your chest is tightening up or fluttering. Heart palpitations are usually harmless and often go away on their own, but if they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain or dizziness, you should seek medical attention.

What does a heart palpitation feel like? Warnings Signs and Symptoms:

Heart palpitations can cause feelings of:

Fluttering in the chest
Thumping or pounding in the chest
Racing heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness or dizziness

How to Identify and Treat Heart Palpitations?

In order to identify and treat heart palpitations, your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of when and how long your palpitations last for. They will also perform a physical examination to check for any other health problems that could be causing the palpitations. Your doctor may also order some tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood test, to rule out any underlying medical issues.

If no other medical conditions are identified, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency of heart palpitations. These include limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, reducing stress, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly. In some cases, medications such as beta-blockers can also help manage any symptoms associated with palpitations.

What are the main underlying causes of palpitations?

The main underlying causes of palpitations are often related to heart-health issues, such as:

Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Heart valve problems
An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

Should I Be Worried about Heart Palpitations?

For the most part, heart palpitations are not a cause for concern. However, if you experience frequent or severe palpitations and accompanying symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose any underlying health issues that may be causing your palpitations and recommend treatment options to help manage your symptoms.

When Your Heart Palpitations Aren’t a Cause for Concern

In general, heart palpitations are harmless and don’t require any medical treatment. They may occur due to strenuous activity, stress, dehydration, or drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. In these cases, the palpitations will typically go away on their own within a few minutes or hours.

Finding Your Rhythm: How to Prevent Heart Palpitations

The best way to prevent heart palpitations is to lead a healthy lifestyle and practice good habits such as:

Eating a balanced diet
Drinking plenty of water
Exercising regularly
Limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol intake
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga
Quitting smoking
Managing stress levels

These healthy habits can help improve your overall health and reduce the risk of heart palpitations. It is important to talk with your doctor if you experience any symptoms or have questions about your heart health.

When to get immediate medical help?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek urgent medical care:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Fainting spells or dizziness
Palpitations that last for more than a few minutes
Palpitations accompanied by chest pain or discomfort

These could be signs of a more serious health condition and require immediate medical attention.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit at an Urgent Care

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and any other health problems you may have. They may also order tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood test, to rule out any underlying medical issues. If any are identified, they will discuss treatment options with you.

To stay on Top of Your Heart Health, Visit iCare Argyle.

At iCare in Argyle, TX, we are perfectly equipped to evaluate and treat heart palpitations. From minor symptoms to underlying major causes, our staff is able to properly treat and direct you to the best source of care. We are connected with Wise Health Emergency Center in case your heart palpitations are more serious. This allows for a seamless patient transfer with immediate care. Additionally, this allows you to benefit from our low-cost urgent care benefits with lower than average wait times.