Heart Palpitations

About 16% of primary care visits happen because of heart palpitations, which are fluttering, pounding, or irregular heartbeats. At Elite Premier Medical Care Plus in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, experienced Fred Revoredo, MD, evaluates the cause of heart palpitations to avoid potential complications. Schedule an evaluation at Elite Premier Medical Care Plus by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What are heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are fast, pounding, or fluttering heartbeats triggered by an array of conditions. Palpitations are some of the more common reasons for emergency room, primary care, and cardiology visits. While usually not cause for concern, heart palpitations sometimes indicate a heart condition requiring treatment. See Dr. Revoredo at Elite Premier Medical Care Plus to determine the cause of palpitations.

What are the symptoms of heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are characterized by:

• Pounding, racing, or fast heartbeats
• Irregular heartbeats
• Flip-flopping or fluttering heartbeats
• Skipped heartbeats
• Extra heartbeats

You may notice such palpitations in your chest, neck, or even your throat. They could appear with exercise or during periods of rest. 

What are the risk factors for heart palpitations?

Factors that can increase the risk of heart palpitations include:

• Exercise, particularly strenuous exercise
• Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
• Medications or dietary supplements 
• Being female
• Depression
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
• Caffeine and other stimulants
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy
• Fever
• Thyroid hormone imbalances
• Alcohol, nicotine, or recreational drugs
• Anemia
• Blood loss
• Dehydration
• Low levels of potassium, oxygen, or sugar
• Abnormal heart valve
• Heart disease
• Other heart conditions 

Heart palpitations caused by heart conditions may lead to fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure when left untreated.

How are heart palpitations diagnosed?

Diagnosing heart palpitations with Dr. Revoredo involves a discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle, medications, and medical history. He also completes a physical exam and may order blood testing, urinalysis, stress testing, electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, Holter monitor testing, or additional diagnostic tests to screen for heart problems and other concerns. 

What is the treatment for heart palpitations?

If you have signs of a heart condition, Dr. Revoredo refers you to a cardiologist. If your heart palpitations are harmless but a nuisance, lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of experiencing them. Take steps to:

• Minimize stress
• Avoid stimulants, smoking, alcohol, and drug use
• Exercise regularly (avoid overexertion)
• Control cholesterol and blood pressure
• Eat nutritious foods

Consider yoga, mindfulness, meditation, or tai chi to ease stress and anxiety. See Dr. Revoredo if you experience signs of a heart problem in addition to palpitations and follow up with him regularly to ensure optimal health.

Schedule a heart palpitations evaluation at Elite Premier Medical Care Plus by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.