Heart Palpitations

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Heart palpitations are the feeling of a fast-beating, pounding heart. Palpitations by themselves are usually harmless, but sometimes they can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition.

Causes:

It is often hard to find the sole reason as to the cause of heart palpitations, however these conditions can lead to heart palpitations

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Panic Attacks
  • Depression
  • Strenuous Exercise

Symptoms:

Heart palpitations may feel like the patient’s heart is

  • skipping beats
  • beating too fast
  • pounding
  • fluttering rapidly

Diagnosis:

If the doctor believes that the heart palpitations are caused by another heart condition, they may ask the patient to take certain tests including

  • Electrocardiogram
  • Holter monitoring
  • Pacemaker
  • Echocardiogram

Treatments:

Heart palpitations do not require treatment unless there is a heart condition, if palpitations are caused by a condition, treatment will focus on correcting that condition.

Lifestyle Changes:

If the patient’s heart palpitations are caused by another heart condition, the doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes for the patient. These include

  • Reduce stress
  • Avoid stimulants like caffeine, energy drinks
  • Avoid illegal drugs

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