Heart Palpitations

A healthcare provider will listen to your heart and lungs. They’ll also review your:

Medical history.
Symptoms.
Diet.
Medications and herbal products you take.

It’s helpful to let a provider know the details of your heart palpitations, such as:

When and how often they happen.
How long they last.
How you feel when they happen.
What you’re doing when they start.
What helps you feel better.

You may not have heart palpitations during your visit with a provider. They may ask you to tap your fingers to imitate the rhythm of your palpitations.

What tests will be done to diagnose heart palpitations?

A provider may order tests, such as:

Blood tests.
Urine (pee) tests.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG).
Stress test.
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound).
A Holter monitor you wear for a day or longer to record your heart’s activity.
Electrophysiology study.
Cardiac catheterization.

You may need to see an electrophysiologist. This is a provider who specializes in abnormal heart rhythms.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.