Your heart is a key organ, working tirelessly to pump blood and keep you alive. A cardiologist is a medical specialist focused on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. They play a fundamental role in maintaining cardiovascular health, especially when patients experience unusual symptoms, such as heart palpitations. While they are often harmless, heart palpitations can sometimes signal more serious underlying health concerns. Here’s some information on what heart palpitations feel like and when to seek an expert evaluation:
What Do Heart Palpitations Feel Like?
Heart palpitations often present as an unusual awareness of your heartbeat. They might feel like a fluttering, pounding, or a sensation of skipped beats. It can occur in the chest, throat, or neck and sometimes leave you momentarily disoriented.
Symptoms accompanying palpitations vary. While they are often benign, take note of these related symptoms that may indicate a bigger concern:
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness
- Shortness of Breath
- Fainting Spells
- Chest Pain or Discomfort
If palpitations consistently occur or coincide with these symptoms, it’s time to evaluate your heart health with a cardiologist.
What Causes Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations may stem from various causes, ranging from lifestyle factors to medical conditions. Underlying health conditions like arrhythmias, thyroid disorders, and heart disease can also lead to palpitations. Identifying the root cause is the first step to addressing your symptoms. Some common causes include:
- Stress or Anxiety: Emotional distress can trigger a rush of adrenaline, making your heart beat faster or irregularly.
- Caffeine or Tobacco: High caffeine intake or smoking stimulates your nervous system, potentially causing palpitations.
- Exercise: Physical exertion increases heart rate temporarily, a normal reaction that may occasionally feel irregular if intense.
- Medication: Some over-the-counter drugs, especially stimulants in decongestants, may affect heart rhythm.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can trigger temporary palpitations due to fluctuating hormone levels.
When Should You Talk to a Doctor?
Occasional, brief palpitations without accompanying symptoms are generally not a cause for alarm. You should consult a cardiologist if your palpitations become frequent or last for an extended period. Take note if you are experiencing palpitations alongside symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting. If you have a history of heart conditions or risk factors like hypertension or diabetes, be sure to inform your cardiologist. Seeking timely evaluation enables your doctor to rule out serious concerns or proceed with appropriate diagnostic tests to uncover the cause of your discomfort.
How Are Heart Palpitations Treated?
Treatment for heart palpitations depends on their cause. Cardiologists typically begin with a thorough review of a patient’s medical history, followed by diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiograms, or stress tests. These tools help pinpoint abnormalities in heart rhythm or function. Once the cause has been determined, your doctor may recommend one or more approaches for your treatment plan.
Lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing stress, limiting caffeine, and avoiding tobacco, can significantly decrease palpitations in many cases. Regular exercise may also improve overall heart health. With lifestyle changes, your doctor may add medications to your care plan.
If a specific condition like an arrhythmia is causing palpitations, medications may regulate your heart rhythm. For more severe cases, procedures like ablation therapies or devices such as pacemakers may be necessary to restore a normal heartbeat. Cutting-edge technologies, like implantable heart monitors, are also available to provide continuous tracking of your heart rhythm, allowing your doctor to monitor your health remotely.
Visit a Cardiologist Today
Heart palpitations may add challenges to your health, but they’re not always indicative of a severe problem. Frequent palpitations often require a medical evaluation to rule out a more serious underlying issue. By consulting a skilled cardiologist, you can gain clarity on what’s happening with your heart and take proactive steps toward better health. If you’re experiencing heart palpitations, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen. Schedule an appointment with a cardiologist today.