What are Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations are sensations that your heart is pounding, fluttering, racing, or skipping beats. They can be felt in the chest, throat, or neck and may last for a few seconds or several minutes. While palpitations are often harmless and triggered by everyday factors like stress or caffeine, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying heart rhythm disorder that requires professional evaluation and treatment.
Common Causes of Palpitations
Palpitations can arise from a wide range of causes. Understanding the root cause is essential for choosing the right treatment. Common triggers and underlying conditions include:
Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
Caffeine, alcohol, or stimulant use
Atrial fibrillation or flutter
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
Thyroid disorders or anemia
When Should You Be Concerned?
Many palpitations are benign, but certain accompanying symptoms indicate a need for prompt evaluation by a heart rhythm specialist. Seek care if your palpitations occur with any of the following:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting or near-fainting episodes
Palpitations that are frequent or prolonged
Family history of heart rhythm disorders
How Are Palpitations Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Our specialists use a comprehensive approach to identify the exact cause of your palpitations:
1
A detailed medical history and physical examination to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and any relevant risk factors.
2
A resting ECG (electrocardiogram) to capture the heart's electrical activity at the time of your visit.
3
A Holter monitor or event monitor worn for 24 hours to 30 days to record the heart rhythm during daily activities and symptom episodes.
4
An implantable cardiac monitor (loop recorder) for patients whose symptoms are infrequent and difficult to capture with short-term monitoring.
5
Additional testing such as an echocardiogram or blood work if an underlying structural or systemic cause is suspected.
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Modifications
Reducing triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, stress, and poor sleep to minimize episodes
Medications
Beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs to control and prevent abnormal heart rhythms
Catheter Ablation
A minimally invasive procedure to eliminate the source of abnormal electrical signals in the heart
Implanted Devices
Pacemakers or ICDs for patients whose palpitations are caused by serious arrhythmias requiring device therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are palpitations always a sign of heart disease?
Not always. Many palpitations are caused by benign factors such as stress, dehydration, or caffeine. However, palpitations that are frequent, prolonged, or associated with other symptoms should be evaluated to rule out an underlying heart condition.
What should I do when I feel palpitations?
Note the time, duration, and any associated symptoms. If your doctor has provided you with a heart monitor, activate it during the episode. Avoid caffeine and rest if possible. Seek emergency care if you experience chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath.
How long does it take to get a diagnosis?
This depends on how frequently your palpitations occur. A resting ECG provides immediate information, while wearable monitors may be worn for days to weeks to catch infrequent episodes. An implantable monitor can record for up to three years if needed.
Can palpitations be cured permanently?
Many patients achieve long-term relief through lifestyle changes or medication. For those with structural arrhythmias such as SVT or atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation offers a high success rate and can provide a lasting cure in many cases.
Don't Ignore Your Heart's Warning Signs
If you are experiencing palpitations, our heart rhythm specialists are here to evaluate, diagnose, and guide you toward the right treatment.
Living with Palpitations
With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most patients manage palpitations successfully and regain full confidence in their heart health. Simple lifestyle adjustments — such as limiting caffeine, managing stress, staying well hydrated, and getting adequate sleep — can significantly reduce the frequency of episodes. Under the care of our heart rhythm specialists, patients receive a personalized plan designed to address the root cause and improve their quality of life for the long term.
