Understanding Palpitations: When Your Heart Skips a Beat
Are you feeling like your heart is racing, fluttering, or pounding in your chest? If so, you might be experiencing palpitations—a sensation where it feels like your heart is beating irregularly, too fast, or too hard. These episodes can last for a few seconds or persist for minutes, and they might be felt in your chest, throat, or even neck.
While palpitations are commonly harmless and linked to temporary triggers such as stress, caffeine, or dehydration, they can sometimes signal an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention. Certain heart rhythm disorders like arrhythmias, as well as conditions such as thyroid imbalance, anemia, or electrolyte disturbances, may also cause palpitations.
It’s important not to ignore recurring or intense episodes, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting. These may be signs of a more serious cardiovascular issue that needs prompt evaluation.
Learning about the potential causes, diagnosis methods, and treatment options for palpitations empowers you to take control of your heart health. Early detection and proper care can prevent complications and help you live with peace of mind.
If you’re frequently feeling out of rhythm, consult with the best cardiologists in Brooklyn to get a thorough evaluation and ensure your heart is functioning at its best.
Learn all about heart palpitations in this article.
Causes of Palpitations
Heart palpitations can be caused by many different factors such as strong emotions, medications, and lifestyle factors. In some cases, certain medical conditions also affect your heart and other parts of your body.
Lifestyle causes of Palpitations
- Strenuous exercise
- Nicotine from tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars
- Lack of sleep
- Smoking
- Dehydration
- Excess caffeine or alcohol intake
Emotional and psychological triggers
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Panic
- Shock
- Stress
Medications cause
- Over the counter (OTC) medications which include cold and cough medications, herbal supplements, and nutritional supplements.
- Stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine
- Certain prescribed medications such as asthma inhalers and decongestants.
Heart conditions
While heart palpitations are harmless, they also be an indication of an underlying heart condition such as:
- Heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Abnormal heart valves
- Arrhythmia, or an irregular heart rhythm
Other medical conditions
- Fever
- Overactive thyroid
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause
- Anemia
- Low oxygen levels or carbon dioxide in the blood
- Low blood sugar
- Blood loss
- Sleep apnea
- Electrolyte abnormalities
Recognizing the Symptoms of Palpitations
Palpitations can feel different from person to person, but they often share a common thread: a noticeable change in your heartbeat that feels unusual or alarming. These sensations are typically felt in your chest, throat, or neck and can happen whether you’re active or at rest. Understanding what these symptoms feel like is key to knowing when to seek medical attention.
Common symptoms of palpitations may include:
A flip-flopping sensation in your chest, as if your heart is turning over or fluttering unpredictably.
The feeling of your heart skipping a beat, which can happen suddenly and without warning.
A sense that your heart is adding an extra beat or beating out of rhythm.
Noticeably pounding heartbeats, even when you’re sitting still or lying down.
A racing heartbeat, where your heart seems to beat much faster than normal without physical exertion.
Fluttering in the chest, sometimes described as a butterfly-like feeling or vibration.
In many cases, palpitations come and go quickly and aren’t harmful. However, when these symptoms are frequent, persistent, or accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, they could be a warning sign of an underlying heart condition. Paying attention to how and when these symptoms occur can help your doctor determine their cause and whether further testing is needed.
If you’re experiencing any of these unusual sensations regularly, don’t ignore them—talk to a healthcare professional to better understand your palpitations and protect your heart health.
How Are Palpitations Diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing palpitations, especially if they’re frequent, intense, or accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or chest discomfort, it’s essential to undergo a proper medical evaluation. Diagnosing palpitations involves identifying whether the irregular heart sensations are benign or a sign of an underlying cardiac issue that requires further treatment.
Initial Evaluation
Your doctor will begin with a detailed physical exam and a thorough review of your medical history. During this initial evaluation, your healthcare provider may ask questions about:
Frequency and intensity of palpitations
Your typical stress levels and emotional triggers
Physical activity habits or recent changes in routine
Use of alcohol, caffeine, or recreational drugs
Any prescription medications or over-the-counter supplements you’re taking
Sleep quality and the presence of sleep disorders like sleep apnea
Existing health conditions, especially thyroid problems or anemia
Menstrual history or hormonal fluctuations, especially in women
Understanding these factors helps doctors determine whether your palpitations are linked to lifestyle triggers, hormonal changes, or more serious heart conditions.
Referral to a Cardiologist
If your primary care provider suspects a more complex heart-related issue, they may refer you to a cardiologist. Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions and may order a range of diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of your palpitations.
Diagnostic Tests for Palpitations
Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, the following tests may be used:
Blood tests: These help detect abnormal levels of hormones, electrolytes (like potassium or magnesium), and blood cells, all of which can influence your heart rhythm and potentially trigger palpitations.
Urine tests: Useful in evaluating blood sugar levels, hormone imbalances, and substances that could be contributing to palpitations.
Stress test: Also called an exercise stress test, this evaluates how your heart responds under physical exertion. It helps detect rhythm disturbances that may not occur at rest.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A non-invasive test that measures the electrical signals in your heart. It can identify abnormal rhythms or signs of previous heart damage.
Echocardiogram: This imaging test uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of your heart’s structure and function. It helps detect valve problems, heart muscle issues, or blood flow abnormalities that may be causing palpitations.
Holter monitor: A small, portable device you wear for 24 to 48 hours to continuously record your heart’s electrical activity. It’s especially useful if your palpitations are sporadic and don’t show up during an ECG.
Chest X-ray: Can reveal if your heart is enlarged or if there are signs of lung problems that could be related to your symptoms.
Electrophysiology study (EPS): This specialized test maps the electrical signals within your heart using catheters inserted through blood vessels. It’s particularly useful in diagnosing complex arrhythmias.
Coronary angiography: If blocked arteries are suspected, this test helps visualize how blood is flowing through your heart. Restricted blood flow can lead to heart issues that present as palpitations.
Need help with a heart condition, call us on +1(347) 384-5690. The Cardiologists at Doral Health & Wellness consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Heart Specialist Brooklyn are able to greatly improve their patient’s health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical, surgical, and cardiovascular care at Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
