Heart Palpitations Specialist

What are heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are when it feels like your heart is beating abnormally. Symptoms of the condition include the sensation that your heart:

• Flutters rapidly
• Skips beats
• Is pounding or flip-flopping
• Beats faster than it should

You might also experience palpitations in your neck or throat. In many cases heart palpitations are harmless but other times they indicate serious heart conditions that require treatment.

What causes heart palpitations?

Numerous factors can lead to heart palpitations, such as:

• Depression, stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
• Strenuous exercise
• Taking certain medications
• Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants
• Hormone fluctuations in women
• Thyroid hormone imbalances
• Fever
• Low potassium or low blood sugar
• Heavy alcohol use
• Heart conditions

Because palpitations can be a sign of an underlying health problem, it’s important to see a medical professional as soon as possible, especially if palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or dizziness as these symptoms are associated with a heart attack.

What is the treatment for heart palpitations?

If heart palpitations aren’t linked with a cardiovascular condition, you may not require treatment. But if you experience heart arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, Dr. Jones might prescribe at-home cardiac monitoring, an electrocardiogram (EKG), or diagnostic imaging tests.

He may also advise:

• Heart medications or evidence-based supplements
• Minimally-invasive treatments to eradicate electrical disturbances
• Additional heart procedures as needed

Lifestyle changes that help reduce heart palpitations include decreasing stress, avoiding stimulants, and steering clear of illegal drugs. Dr. Jones works with you to determine the likely cause of your heart palpitations and create a lifestyle plan that prevents or reduce further incidences.

How can I lower my risk of heart problems?

Ways you can reduce your risk of heart palpitations associated with a heart condition, such as heart failure, include:

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other fiber-rich foods
• Reduce saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and added sugar
• Exercise regularly
• Achieve or maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Get plenty of sleep
• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

If you have heart palpitations, don’t brush them off. While they may be harmless, in some cases palpitations can indicate a serious health problem. Give yourself peace of mind by scheduling an appointment with BKLYNCardio by phone or online today.