In movies, books, and TV shows, a person’s heart always skips a beat at the sight of someone they love. In real life, heart thumps, skipped beats, and flutters may signal something less romantic and much more serious. At DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, M.D., P.A., in Rochelle Park, NJ, the experienced heart doctor and the rest of the team strive to help patients take control of their heart health by educating them on key warning signs and symptoms.

Skipped beats, flutters, and other irregularities in your pulse may be a sign of a potential heart attack or another condition. Don’t panic, though—often, these common palpitations are harmless. If you notice your pulse becoming irregular, sit down and relax. Then, take your pulse with your wrist. Count the number of beats for 15 seconds. To get your heart rate, multiply this number by four. If it’s under 100, you’re probably not experiencing anything serious. If you feel abnormal, though, call your local cardiac care unit anyway. If you ever experience a sudden, sharp, or prolonged pain in the chest, call an ambulance or have someone drive you to the emergency room. 

If you just exercised, then a heart rate above 100 is normal and expected. If your heart rate is very high without engaging in physical activity, then it’s time to call a doctor. This might be a sign of a condition called tachycardia. Other times, an irregular heartbeat may occur due to stress, hormones, or medications. If you experience this problem, talk to your heart doctor. Your doctor can diagnose and treat any potential conditions.

If you’re experiencing an irregular heartbeat, contact the medical professionals from DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, M.D., P.A. The doctor will pinpoint the source of your issue and provide the necessary steps to control or mitigate your condition. To schedule an appointment with a heart doctor, call today at (201) 845-3535. For more information about the practice, visit their website.