Many people have experienced the uncomfortable sensation of a racing or fluttering heart. These feelings, known as heart palpitations, are often brief and harmless, but they can sometimes signal an underlying issue with the heart’s rhythm. While a heart flutter or a missed beat can feel alarming, understanding the symptoms and available treatments is the first step towards managing your heart health.
Symptoms of heart palpitations
Heart palpitations can feel different for everyone. They are often described as a feeling that your heart is:
- Skipping a beat
- Beating too fast or racing
- Fluttering in your chest
- Pounding
- Thumping
These sensations can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. While some palpitations are benign and temporary, others can be symptoms of an arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm.
Causes and when to see a specialist
Heart palpitations can stem from various sources. Simple causes can include stress, anxiety, caffeine, dehydration, or strenuous exercise. Palpitations can also be associated with hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
However, you should seek a specialist’s opinion if your palpitations are persistent, frequent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Fainting or blackouts
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Breathlessness
- Chest discomfort
A cardiologist can determine if your palpitations are harmless or if they are caused by a more serious condition, such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia or other arrhythmias. A specialist will aim to quickly identify the cause of your symptoms and provide reassurance or offer appropriate, guided treatment.
Available treatments for heart rhythm disturbances
The treatment for palpitations depends on their underlying cause. For some, simple lifestyle changes can help, such as reducing caffeine intake, improving sleep, and managing stress.
For more complex or persistent issues, a cardiologist can recommend a variety of treatment options. These can range from management with medication to surgical procedures. Two common procedures for correcting rhythm disturbances are:
- Catheter ablation: This procedure uses heat or cold to correct the electrical short circuit causing the arrhythmia.
- Cardiac device implantation: A small pacemaker can be implanted to regulate a slow heartbeat, while other devices can correct more complex rhythm issues.
Treatment for Heart Palpitations Symptoms with Dr David Begley
Dr David Begley is a consultant cardiologist and an expert in the field of cardiac rhythm management. His practice focuses on diagnosing and treating abnormal heart rhythms, giving patients access to his extensive experience in managing conditions such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia.
Dr Begley’s expertise in treating these conditions is built on a foundation of a professional career that includes an appointment as a consultant at Papworth Hospital to expand their cardiac rhythm management team. He is a leading specialist in cardiac device implantation and ablation procedures, with thousands of successful operations to his name. He is known for his professional and friendly manner, ensuring patients feel free to ask questions and fully understand all aspects of their condition.
If you are experiencing symptoms, you believe are related to a heart rhythm disturbance, you should discuss with your GP whether a referral to a specialist is appropriate. For more information or to arrange an appointment with Dr Begley, you can contact his personal assistant.