What are Palpitations?

Palpitations are sensations of the heart beating irregularly, too fast, too hard, or skipping beats. Many people describe them as a fluttering, pounding, or racing feeling in the chest. While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes signal an underlying heart rhythm disorder that requires medical evaluation.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Occasional palpitations may be triggered by stress, caffeine, alcohol, or lack of sleep. However, frequent or persistent palpitations, especially when accompanied by dizziness, fainting, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath, should not be ignored. In these cases, an evaluation by a heart rhythm specialist can help determine whether an arrhythmia or another condition is responsible.

How Palpitations are Diagnosed

At Heart Rhythm Associates, we use advanced diagnostic tools to uncover the cause of palpitations. An electrocardiogram may provide immediate information, while wearable monitors such as Holter devices or event recorders allow us to track the heart over days or weeks. For less frequent episodes, an implantable cardiac monitor may be recommended to capture irregular rhythms that do not occur daily.

Treatment Options

Management depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, simple lifestyle adjustments — reducing caffeine, managing stress, or treating sleep apnea — may significantly improve symptoms. If an arrhythmia is detected, treatment may involve medication, catheter ablation, or the implantation of devices such as a pacemaker or defibrillator. Each plan is tailored to the individual to ensure both safety and quality of life.

Living with Palpitations

With proper evaluation and treatment, most patients can manage palpitations effectively and return to normal daily activities with peace of mind. Our team provides not only medical solutions but also guidance on lifestyle and preventive measures, helping patients take control of their heart health.