HEART PALPITATIONS

Fadi Alsous, MD, FACC
Cardiology
Interventional Cardiology
Echocardiography
Internal Medicine
Eau Claire Medical Clinic
Eau Claire

Palpitation Definition: It is sometimes described by patients as a feeling of the heart beating faster, stronger, skipping a beat, or flip flopping. Be aware of your own heartbeat.

Even though palpitations are often benign, there are a few circumstances when palpitations need immediate attention. Palpitations are usually brought on by exercise, alcohol, smoking or some medications. The most common medications are decongestants and some antidepressants. It is always important to check with your primary care physician to determine the cause of your palpitations as this will help in treating this condition.

There are also some diseases that make palpitations worse including the following:

• Thyroid problems
• Some heart conditions—mitral valve prolapse
• Electrolyte problems—low potassium or low magnesium
• Low blood sugar—diabetes being over treated
  

Palpitation Diagnosis

This condition is diagnosed by a complete review of your symptoms and a complete physical examination. To help your doctor diagnose the cause of your palpitations,
he/she may order other tests which could include the following:

• Electrocardiogram—electrical tracing of the heart
• Echocardiogram—ultrasound exam of the heart
• Holter monitor—a 24 or 48 hour monitor you wear to record heart rate
• Cardiac stress testing – exercise or chemical stressing
• Coronary angiogram—a test which shows presence or absence
  of blockage in heart arteries
  

Palpitation Treatment

The treatment of palpitations usually starts with finding the cause. Changing your life style or day-to-day practice may help you make the palpitations less frequent, or actually, cure your palpitations. Cutting back on caffeine, drinking decaffeinated drinks and reducing stress in your life are examples of change. Discussing your medications with your primary care physician or your cardiologist may help eliminate some medications that make the problem worse.

Patients should ask their doctors how they can help themselves when they have this problem. The best advice would be to discuss with your primary-care physician or your cardiologist when you are having more than your usual symptoms. For example, palpitations that last longer than usual or that are associated with more than usual symptoms. It is important to keep track of the episodes, the durations, and any association with certain activities or a certain kind of food. Trying to avoid alcohol and stopping smoking are always helpful, not just for palpitations, but for other health conditions. Obviously, losing weight and exercising on a regular basis are also helpful.

It is imperative to call your primary care physician or your cardiologist if you have palpitations that last for an extended time or if you start to have other symptoms such as: chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness associated with your symptoms.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Fadi Alsous, MD, FACC, Eau Claire Medical Clinic, S.C., contact 715.839.9280. Dr. Alsous also sees patients in Chippewa Falls and Rice Lake.