BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuHeart palpitationsHeartbeat sensations; Irregular heartbeat; Palpitations; Heart pounding or racingPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck.You may:Have an unpleasant awareness of your own heartbeat Feel like your heart skipped or stopped beats Your heart's rhythm may be normal or abnormal when you have palpitations.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersHeart Palpitations QuizWhich of these may be a symptom of heart palpitations? A. Being more aware of your own heartbeat B. Feeling like your heart skips a beat or stops C. Feeling some fluttering in your chest D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. You may have one or more of these symptoms.Are palpitations dangerous? A. Yes B. No C. Maybe Correct Answer The correct answer is maybe. Most of the time, palpitations are not dangerous. Palpitations are only a symptom and not an illness or medical problem. However, heart palpitations can also be a sign of a serious heart problem. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to be safe.If you're experiencing frequent or severe heart palpitations, how soon should you seek help? A. Immediately B. Within 24 hours C. Within a few days Correct Answer The correct answer is immediately. Seek help right away if you are short of breath, have chest pain, feel dizzy, lightheaded, sweaty, or if you just don't feel well. You should also see your doctor if your pulse is beating very fast or feels irregular, or if you have fainted. Even if your palpitations aren't bothering you, make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up.If you're having palpitations, does that mean you have a heart problem? A. Yes B. No C. Maybe Correct Answer The correct answer is maybe. Palpitations are a common symptom and are often not a sign of a heart problem. However, people with heart disease may be more likely to have problems that cause palpitations. Some of these heart problems include narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease), heart failure, abnormal heart valves, and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).Which other medical problems may cause heart palpitations? A. Low blood count (anemia) B. Medicines C. Overactive thyroid D. Pregnancy E. All of these can cause palpitations Correct Answer The correct answer is all of these can cause palpitations. An overactive thyroid can cause heart palpitations. So can a low blood count (or anemia) -- the heart may need to beat faster or harder when you have anemia. Medicines used for asthma, many cough and cold medicines, and other medicines may cause palpitations. During pregnancy, your heart works harder to pump more blood.Drinking too much caffeine may cause heart palpitations. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Caffeine excites or stimulates the heart, causing it to beat faster and sometimes causing an extra beat.What else may cause heart palpitations? A. Drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines B. Some cough and cold medicines C. Some herbs and supplements D. Stress E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Many people under stress may notice skipped or extra beats. Some cough and cold medicines cause palpitations, as can drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines. Herbs and supplements can also cause changes in your body, including both minor and severe palpitations.If you see a doctor for heart palpitations, will you need tests? A. Yes B. No C. Maybe Correct Answer The correct answer is maybe. Your doctor will talk to you and check your pulse, listen to your heart, and perhaps perform an electrocardiogram (ECG). He or she will ask how often you have palpitations, how long they last, and what other symptoms you have. Based on the results, you may need blood tests to check for anemia or thyroid problems. You may need a chest x-ray, echocardiogram, or need to wear a device for days or weeks that records your heart rate.What can you do at home to prevent palpitations? A. Exercise once you have your doctor's approval B. Find ways to reduce stress C. Reduce your caffeine intake D. Tell your doctor about new medicines, herbs, and supplements before taking them E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. It's important to get checked by your doctor. The tips mentioned above are steps you can take to help prevent or reduce the amount of palpitations you have. Reducing stress can help a lot. Take some time off, try some activities that you enjoy, and learn how to relax. If stress is a special concern, you may want to get extra support. Considerations Normally the heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute. The rate may drop below 60 beats per minute in people who exercise regularly or take medicines that slow the heart. If your heart rate is fast (over 100 beats per minute), this is called tachycardia. A heart rate slower than 60 is called bradycardia. An occasional extra heartbeat out of rhythm is known as extrasystole.ExtrasystoleEctopic heartbeats are changes in a heartbeat that is otherwise normal. These changes lead to extra or skipped heartbeats. There is often not a cle...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Palpitations are not serious most of the time. Sensations representing an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) may be more serious.ArrhythmiaAn arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregul...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersThe following conditions make you more likely to have an abnormal heart rhythm: Known heart disease at the time the palpitations begin Significant risk factors for heart disease Heart diseaseCoronary heart disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is also called co...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article An abnormal heart valve An electrolyte abnormality in your blood -- for example, a low potassium level Causes Heart palpitations can be due to:Anxiety, stress, panic attack, or fear Caffeine intake Cocaine, methamphetamine or other stimulant drugs Decongestant medications, such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine Diet pills Exercise Fever Nicotine intake Excessive alcohol consumptionHowever, some palpitations are due to an abnormal heart rhythm, which may be caused by:Heart disease Abnormal heart valve, such as mitral valve prolapse Mitral valve prolapseMitral valve prolapse is a heart problem involving the mitral valve, which separates the upper and lower chambers of the left side of the heart. In ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abnormal blood level of potassium Certain medicines, including those used to treat asthma, high blood pressure, or heart problems Overactive thyroid Low level of oxygen in your blood Home Care Things you can do to limit palpitations include: Lower your intake of caffeine, nicotine, or other stimulants. This will often reduce heart palpitations. Learn to reduce stress and anxiety. This can help prevent palpitations and help you better manage them when they occur. Reduce stress and anxietyWe all feel stress at one time or another. It's a normal and healthy reaction to change or a challenge. But stress that goes on for more than a few...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Try deep relaxation or breathing exercises. Practice yoga, meditation, or tai chi. Get regular exercise. Do not smoke. Do not smokeThere are many ways to quit smoking. There are also resources to help you. Family members, friends, and co-workers may be supportive. But to be su...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Once a serious cause has been ruled out by your health care provider, try not to pay close attention to heart palpitations. This may cause stress. However, contact your provider if you notice a sudden increase or a change in them. When to Contact a Medical Professional If you have never had heart palpitations before, see your provider.Call 911 or the local emergency number if you have:Loss of alertness (consciousness) Chest pain Shortness of breath Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Unusual sweating Dizziness or lightheadedness DizzinessDizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you might fai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Contact your provider right away if:You often feel extra heartbeats (more than 6 per minute or coming in groups of 3 or more). You have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure. DiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have new or different heart palpitations. Your pulse is more than 100 beats per minute (without exercise, anxiety, or fever). PulseThe pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have related symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint, or loss of consciousness. What to Expect at Your Office Visit Your provider will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms.You may be asked:Do you feel skipped or stopped beats? Does your heart rate feel slow or fast when you have the palpitations? Do you feel a racing, pounding, or fluttering? Is there a regular or irregular pattern to the unusual heartbeat sensations? Did the palpitations begin or end suddenly? When do the palpitations occur? In response to reminders of a traumatic event? When you are lying down and resting? When you change your body position? When you feel emotional? Do you have any other symptoms? Do you consume stimulant drugs (such as amphetamine or cocaine), caffeine or excessive alcohol?An electrocardiogram may be done.ElectrocardiogramAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If you go to an emergency room, you will be connected to a heart monitor. However, most people with palpitations do not need to go to an emergency room for diagnosis and treatment.If your provider finds you have an abnormal heart rhythm, other tests may be done. This may include:Holter monitor for 24 hours, or another heart monitor for 2 weeks or longer Holter monitorA Holter monitor is a machine that continuously records the heart's rhythms. The monitor is worn for 24 to 48 hours during normal activity.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Echocardiogram EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electrophysiology study (EPS) Electrophysiology studyIntracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS) is a test to look at how well the heart's electrical signals are working. It is used to evaluate abnormal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Coronary angiographyCoronary angiographyCoronary angiography is a procedure that uses a special dye (contrast material) and x-rays to see how blood flows through the arteries in your heart....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesCurtis AB, Tomaselli GF. Approach to the patient with cardiac arrhythmias. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 61.Fang JC, O'Gara PT. History and physical examination: an evidence-based approach. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 13.Olgin JE. Approach to the patient with suspected arrhythmia. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 49.AllVideoImagesTogCardiac arrhythmia: Heart palpitations and other symptomsAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersCardiac arrhythmia: Heart palpitations and other symptoms - Animation Arrhythmia can produce a wide range of symptoms including palpitations, sensations of skipped beats or rapid forceful beats, dyspnea, chest pain or discomfort, syncope, fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness. In bradycardia, the heart is unable to meet the body’s blood needs. This may cause fatigue, dizziness, syncope, lightheadedness, or cardiac arrest. In tachycardia, the ventricles’ ability to pump blood efficiently to the body is compromised. This may cause palpitations, dyspnea, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and syncope. In bradycardia, the heart is unable to meet the body’s blood needs. This may cause fatigue, dizziness, syncope, lightheadedness, or cardiac arrest. In tachycardia, the ventricles’ ability to pump blood efficiently to the body is compromised. This may cause palpitations, dyspnea, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and syncope.What makes your heart beat?Animation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersWhat makes your heart beat? - Animation Let’s take a closer look inside the heart. The yellow objects are not nerves. They’re actually specialized cardiac muscle cells in the walls of the heart. Their job is to send signals to the rest of the heart muscle and cause a contraction. Together, this group of cells is called the Cardiac conduction system. The main components of the Cardiac conduction system are the SA node, AV node, Bundle of His, Bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers. Let’s follow a signal through the contraction process. The SA node starts the sequence by causing the atrial muscles to contract. That’s why doctors sometimes call it the anatomical pacemaker. From there, the signal travels to the AV node, through the Bundle of His, down the Bundle branches, and through the Purkinje fibers, causing the ventricles to contract. This signal creates an electrical current that can be seen on a graph called an Electrocardiogram, or EKG. Doctors us an EKG as a way of seeing how well the Cardiac conduction system works. Any changes to the EKG can mean serious problems.Heart chambers - illustration The heart consists of four chambers in which blood flows. Blood enters the right atrium and passes through the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the blood to the lungs where it becomes oxygenated. The oxygenated blood is brought back to the heart by the pulmonary veins which enter the left atrium. From the left atrium blood flows into the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the blood to the aorta which will distribute the oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.Heart chambersillustrationHeart beat - illustration Two distinguishable sounds can be heard during the cycle of the beating heart when listened to with a stethoscope. The heart sounds are usually described as a lup-dup sound. These sounds are due to the closing of the valves of the heart. Unusual heart sounds are called murmurs.Heart beatillustrationYoga - illustration Yoga is a mind-body exercise which combines stretching and controlled breathing to achieve relaxation and a stabilized mood.YogaillustrationCardiac arrhythmia: Heart palpitations and other symptomsAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersCardiac arrhythmia: Heart palpitations and other symptoms - Animation Arrhythmia can produce a wide range of symptoms including palpitations, sensations of skipped beats or rapid forceful beats, dyspnea, chest pain or discomfort, syncope, fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness. In bradycardia, the heart is unable to meet the body’s blood needs. This may cause fatigue, dizziness, syncope, lightheadedness, or cardiac arrest. In tachycardia, the ventricles’ ability to pump blood efficiently to the body is compromised. This may cause palpitations, dyspnea, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and syncope. In bradycardia, the heart is unable to meet the body’s blood needs. This may cause fatigue, dizziness, syncope, lightheadedness, or cardiac arrest. In tachycardia, the ventricles’ ability to pump blood efficiently to the body is compromised. This may cause palpitations, dyspnea, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and syncope.What makes your heart beat?Animation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersWhat makes your heart beat? - Animation Let’s take a closer look inside the heart. The yellow objects are not nerves. They’re actually specialized cardiac muscle cells in the walls of the heart. Their job is to send signals to the rest of the heart muscle and cause a contraction. Together, this group of cells is called the Cardiac conduction system. The main components of the Cardiac conduction system are the SA node, AV node, Bundle of His, Bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers. Let’s follow a signal through the contraction process. The SA node starts the sequence by causing the atrial muscles to contract. That’s why doctors sometimes call it the anatomical pacemaker. From there, the signal travels to the AV node, through the Bundle of His, down the Bundle branches, and through the Purkinje fibers, causing the ventricles to contract. This signal creates an electrical current that can be seen on a graph called an Electrocardiogram, or EKG. Doctors us an EKG as a way of seeing how well the Cardiac conduction system works. Any changes to the EKG can mean serious problems.Heart chambers - illustration The heart consists of four chambers in which blood flows. Blood enters the right atrium and passes through the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the blood to the lungs where it becomes oxygenated. The oxygenated blood is brought back to the heart by the pulmonary veins which enter the left atrium. From the left atrium blood flows into the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the blood to the aorta which will distribute the oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.Heart chambersillustrationHeart beat - illustration Two distinguishable sounds can be heard during the cycle of the beating heart when listened to with a stethoscope. The heart sounds are usually described as a lup-dup sound. These sounds are due to the closing of the valves of the heart. Unusual heart sounds are called murmurs.Heart beatillustrationYoga - illustration Yoga is a mind-body exercise which combines stretching and controlled breathing to achieve relaxation and a stabilized mood.YogaillustrationRelated Information Anemia(Condition)Arrhythmias(Condition)Anemia - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/9/2024 Reviewed By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Heart palpitationsHeartbeat sensations; Irregular heartbeat; Palpitations; Heart pounding or racingPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck.You may:Have an unpleasant awareness of your own heartbeat Feel like your heart skipped or stopped beats Your heart's rhythm may be normal or abnormal when you have palpitations.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersHeart Palpitations QuizWhich of these may be a symptom of heart palpitations? A. Being more aware of your own heartbeat B. Feeling like your heart skips a beat or stops C. Feeling some fluttering in your chest D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. You may have one or more of these symptoms.Are palpitations dangerous? A. Yes B. No C. Maybe Correct Answer The correct answer is maybe. Most of the time, palpitations are not dangerous. Palpitations are only a symptom and not an illness or medical problem. However, heart palpitations can also be a sign of a serious heart problem. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to be safe.If you're experiencing frequent or severe heart palpitations, how soon should you seek help? A. Immediately B. Within 24 hours C. Within a few days Correct Answer The correct answer is immediately. Seek help right away if you are short of breath, have chest pain, feel dizzy, lightheaded, sweaty, or if you just don't feel well. You should also see your doctor if your pulse is beating very fast or feels irregular, or if you have fainted. Even if your palpitations aren't bothering you, make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up.If you're having palpitations, does that mean you have a heart problem? A. Yes B. No C. Maybe Correct Answer The correct answer is maybe. Palpitations are a common symptom and are often not a sign of a heart problem. However, people with heart disease may be more likely to have problems that cause palpitations. Some of these heart problems include narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease), heart failure, abnormal heart valves, and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).Which other medical problems may cause heart palpitations? A. Low blood count (anemia) B. Medicines C. Overactive thyroid D. Pregnancy E. All of these can cause palpitations Correct Answer The correct answer is all of these can cause palpitations. An overactive thyroid can cause heart palpitations. So can a low blood count (or anemia) -- the heart may need to beat faster or harder when you have anemia. Medicines used for asthma, many cough and cold medicines, and other medicines may cause palpitations. During pregnancy, your heart works harder to pump more blood.Drinking too much caffeine may cause heart palpitations. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Caffeine excites or stimulates the heart, causing it to beat faster and sometimes causing an extra beat.What else may cause heart palpitations? A. Drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines B. Some cough and cold medicines C. Some herbs and supplements D. Stress E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Many people under stress may notice skipped or extra beats. Some cough and cold medicines cause palpitations, as can drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines. Herbs and supplements can also cause changes in your body, including both minor and severe palpitations.If you see a doctor for heart palpitations, will you need tests? A. Yes B. No C. Maybe Correct Answer The correct answer is maybe. Your doctor will talk to you and check your pulse, listen to your heart, and perhaps perform an electrocardiogram (ECG). He or she will ask how often you have palpitations, how long they last, and what other symptoms you have. Based on the results, you may need blood tests to check for anemia or thyroid problems. You may need a chest x-ray, echocardiogram, or need to wear a device for days or weeks that records your heart rate.What can you do at home to prevent palpitations? A. Exercise once you have your doctor's approval B. Find ways to reduce stress C. Reduce your caffeine intake D. Tell your doctor about new medicines, herbs, and supplements before taking them E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. It's important to get checked by your doctor. The tips mentioned above are steps you can take to help prevent or reduce the amount of palpitations you have. Reducing stress can help a lot. Take some time off, try some activities that you enjoy, and learn how to relax. If stress is a special concern, you may want to get extra support. Considerations Normally the heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute. The rate may drop below 60 beats per minute in people who exercise regularly or take medicines that slow the heart. If your heart rate is fast (over 100 beats per minute), this is called tachycardia. A heart rate slower than 60 is called bradycardia. An occasional extra heartbeat out of rhythm is known as extrasystole.ExtrasystoleEctopic heartbeats are changes in a heartbeat that is otherwise normal. These changes lead to extra or skipped heartbeats. There is often not a cle...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Palpitations are not serious most of the time. Sensations representing an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) may be more serious.ArrhythmiaAn arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregul...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersThe following conditions make you more likely to have an abnormal heart rhythm: Known heart disease at the time the palpitations begin Significant risk factors for heart disease Heart diseaseCoronary heart disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is also called co...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article An abnormal heart valve An electrolyte abnormality in your blood -- for example, a low potassium level Causes Heart palpitations can be due to:Anxiety, stress, panic attack, or fear Caffeine intake Cocaine, methamphetamine or other stimulant drugs Decongestant medications, such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine Diet pills Exercise Fever Nicotine intake Excessive alcohol consumptionHowever, some palpitations are due to an abnormal heart rhythm, which may be caused by:Heart disease Abnormal heart valve, such as mitral valve prolapse Mitral valve prolapseMitral valve prolapse is a heart problem involving the mitral valve, which separates the upper and lower chambers of the left side of the heart. In ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abnormal blood level of potassium Certain medicines, including those used to treat asthma, high blood pressure, or heart problems Overactive thyroid Low level of oxygen in your blood Home Care Things you can do to limit palpitations include: Lower your intake of caffeine, nicotine, or other stimulants. This will often reduce heart palpitations. Learn to reduce stress and anxiety. This can help prevent palpitations and help you better manage them when they occur. Reduce stress and anxietyWe all feel stress at one time or another. It's a normal and healthy reaction to change or a challenge. But stress that goes on for more than a few...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Try deep relaxation or breathing exercises. Practice yoga, meditation, or tai chi. Get regular exercise. Do not smoke. Do not smokeThere are many ways to quit smoking. There are also resources to help you. Family members, friends, and co-workers may be supportive. But to be su...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Once a serious cause has been ruled out by your health care provider, try not to pay close attention to heart palpitations. This may cause stress. However, contact your provider if you notice a sudden increase or a change in them. When to Contact a Medical Professional If you have never had heart palpitations before, see your provider.Call 911 or the local emergency number if you have:Loss of alertness (consciousness) Chest pain Shortness of breath Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Unusual sweating Dizziness or lightheadedness DizzinessDizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you might fai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Contact your provider right away if:You often feel extra heartbeats (more than 6 per minute or coming in groups of 3 or more). You have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure. DiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have new or different heart palpitations. Your pulse is more than 100 beats per minute (without exercise, anxiety, or fever). PulseThe pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have related symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint, or loss of consciousness. What to Expect at Your Office Visit Your provider will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms.You may be asked:Do you feel skipped or stopped beats? Does your heart rate feel slow or fast when you have the palpitations? Do you feel a racing, pounding, or fluttering? Is there a regular or irregular pattern to the unusual heartbeat sensations? Did the palpitations begin or end suddenly? When do the palpitations occur? In response to reminders of a traumatic event? When you are lying down and resting? When you change your body position? When you feel emotional? Do you have any other symptoms? Do you consume stimulant drugs (such as amphetamine or cocaine), caffeine or excessive alcohol?An electrocardiogram may be done.ElectrocardiogramAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If you go to an emergency room, you will be connected to a heart monitor. However, most people with palpitations do not need to go to an emergency room for diagnosis and treatment.If your provider finds you have an abnormal heart rhythm, other tests may be done. This may include:Holter monitor for 24 hours, or another heart monitor for 2 weeks or longer Holter monitorA Holter monitor is a machine that continuously records the heart's rhythms. The monitor is worn for 24 to 48 hours during normal activity.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Echocardiogram EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electrophysiology study (EPS) Electrophysiology studyIntracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS) is a test to look at how well the heart's electrical signals are working. It is used to evaluate abnormal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Coronary angiographyCoronary angiographyCoronary angiography is a procedure that uses a special dye (contrast material) and x-rays to see how blood flows through the arteries in your heart....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesCurtis AB, Tomaselli GF. Approach to the patient with cardiac arrhythmias. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 61.Fang JC, O'Gara PT. History and physical examination: an evidence-based approach. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 13.Olgin JE. Approach to the patient with suspected arrhythmia. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 49.