If you’ve ever felt your heart skip a beat or briefly flutter, you’ve experienced heart palpitations. The sensation can be scary and concerning. The good news is that they are often harmless, although some of them can result from an underlying medication condition and require treatment from a primary physician. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about heart palpitations.

Heart Health FAQ: Palpitations

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations can result from a number of different causes, including vigorous exercise, stress, stimulants, and low blood sugar. In rare occasions, they can signify a more serious medical condition, such as arrhythmia, an overactive thyroid gland, or anemia. Those who are highly stressed, take medicines that contain stimulants, or have other heart issues are more likely to experience them. 

Are They Dangerous?

Heart palpitations rarely cause complications unless they’re caused by an underlying heart condition. If they’re due to a more serious issue, you may experience fainting, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, see your primary physician right away.

How Are They Diagnosed?

A primary physician can conduct a physical exam to diagnose heart palpitations. If they hear a murmur while listening to your heart, it can indicate that there’s a problem with one of your heart’s valves.

A doctor may also use an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to evaluate palpitations. This medical test discovers palpitations and other heart problems by measuring the electrical activity produced by the heart. If the palpitations are occurring infrequently, the doctor might ask you to wear a small heart event monitor for 48 hours or so in order to record the palpitations.

How Do You Treat Them?

Unless heart palpitations result from a heart condition, they seldom need treatment. However, there are several steps you can take to avoid the triggers that cause the palpitations, such as avoiding stimulants, reducing your stress, and getting enough sleep. Meditation and a healthy circadian rhythm are two goals to set for yourself.

If you’ve been experiencing frequent heart palpitations, turn to the physicians at Fairview Clinic, P.C. in Dothan, AL. They offer a variety of high-quality medical services, including health screenings and laboratory testing, and they pride themselves on forming trusting relationships with all their patients. The clinic also has an online patient portal that allows patients to communicate with the practice and stay informed. To make an appointment with a primary physician, call (334) 794-3192 or visit their website.