Heart Palpitations

Monitoring Palpitations is the Key to Finding Answers

HEART PALPITATIONS

Heart palpitations are relatively common and usually a harmless condition in which the heart feels as if it is pounding, racing or fluttering.

Heart palpitations account for 16% of symptoms that cause patients to go to their primary care doctor, second only to chest pain as the reason patients seek a cardiology evaluation.

While concerning, palpitations usually are harmless. However, in some cases they may indicate a more serious heart condition, like a heart rhythm disorder, that requires treatment.

WHAT CAUSES HEART PALPITATIONS?

SYMPTOMS

Rapid heartbeats
Fluttering heartbeats
Skipped heartbeats
Heartbeats that feel like they are pumping harder than normal

You might feel palpitations in your chest, throat or neck. They can occur while you’re at rest, exercising or going about your normal routine.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

Emotional responses such as anxiety, stress, panic or fear
Exercise
Fever
Hormone changes associated with pregnancy, menstruation or menopause
Certain medical conditions
Certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs
Caffeine and nicotine use
Diet pills
Illegal street drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines (speed)

RISK FACTORS

Stress, anxiety or panic attacks
Medications that contain stimulants, like some cold or asthma drugs
Pregnancy
Overactive thyroid gland
Other heart issues

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HEART MONITORING CAN UNLOCK THE ANSWER

If your doctor suspects that your heart palpitations are heart related, heart monitoring may be necessary.

Heart monitoring is used to either identify or rule out a heart rhythm disorder and to determine the right course of treatment.

Types of heart monitoring vary in terms of how long they can be used and how information is captured. Common types of heart monitoring systems include:

Holter Monitors
Event Recorders
Mobile Cardiac Telemetry Systems
Insertable Cardiac Monitoring Systems

Learn More About Heart Monitors

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Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.