This is not a disease but a congregate of symptoms in which the patient suddenly becomes extremely aware of his heartbeat, often describing fast, slow, regular, or Irregular Heartbeat. Pounding in the Chest and fluttering are terms often used by patients to describe their Palpitations.
Palpitations may have a sudden or gradual onset, and may be triggered by certain factors.
Under normal conditions, electrical signals travel to the heart and stimulate it to pump blood to other body parts. Redistribution of the normal electrical impulses gives rise to abnormal patterns experienced as Palpitations. Consequently, it may feel as though the heart is missing or skipping a beat, but in reality there are extra or premature beats, or an early beat followed by a pause (rest), then a heavy beat.
Benign (not dangerous) Palpitations are common, lasting for a few seconds with no other symptoms. Frequent Palpitations associated with symptoms can be dangerous and may require immediate attention
Often asymptomatic, lasting a few seconds to a few minutes
Medications including over- the-counter cold remedies, Diet Pills
Overdose of thyroid medicine, theophylline, or some antidepressants.
Fever
Fear
Exercise
Heart surgeries or procedures
See other causes
A general physician may need to consult a cardiologist if he suspects heart disease as the cause of Palpitations.
Medical history:
Symptoms -- how long, how often, sudden, other symptoms, or triggers?
Past and recent illnesses, surgeries, medications, habits, allergies, and family history
Medical exam:
General exam -- entire body, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
The doctor may listen to the lungs and the heart using a Stethoscope.
Tests include:
Electrocardiogram (EKG) -- records the electrical activity of the heart and provides information about the rate and rhythm of the heart (painless and fast).
The doctor may order a Holter monitor (Walkman-size device that you take home and record the heart's activities over 24 hours. This is also painless test but can help to identify the time, triggers, causes, and types of arrythmia.
Echocardiogram -- uses sound to provide a picture of the heart's structures. It can show enlarged heart, defects present at birth, or abnormal valves.
X-Ray of the chest may show an enlarged heart or lung disease.
If other conditions are suspected, blood and urine analysis may be needed.
