When you’re having disturbing heart palpitations, you should seek the expertise of a full-service provider of diagnostic and interventional cardiology. The skilled team at Peak Heart & Vascular in Arizona, offers the evaluation and screening tests to determine if the palpitations are associated with a serious medical condition. If you’re having unusual fluttering or pounding in your heart, call the office to set up an appointment or book online today.
A fluttering, fast-beating heart can feel extraordinarily concerning. You might even feel the flip-flopping of your heart in your throat or neck as well as in your chest.
Usually, heart palpitations are harmless, but because they can be a symptom of a more serious heart condition, it’s important to undergo an evaluation with an expert provider like those at Peak Heart & Vascular. The doctors can rule out an issue, such as arrhythmia, and give you a clean bill of health or offer treatment.
The most common reasons you’d experience heart palpitations are due to strenuous exercise, stress, anxiety, or some medications or stimulants. Sometimes, the reason you’re experiencing heart palpitations is unknown.
You may also have heart palpitations due to:
Heart palpitations can signal a serious problem such as an arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm.
If your palpitations occur infrequently and disappear after a few seconds, you probably don’t need an evaluation. But, if you have a history of heart disease, have frequent palpitations, or find that they increase in frequency or worsen with time, make an appointment at Peak Heart & Vascular.
Emergency care is warranted if your heart palpitations are accompanied by:
Don’t wait for an appointment at Peak Heart & Vascular if you suspect you’re experiencing a severe heart incident. Go to the emergency room.
A rapidly beating heart can cause your blood pressure to drop, and you faint. This is more likely if you have congenital heart disease or certain valve problems.
Heart palpitations can also occur when you’re going into cardiac arrest, although rare.
Stroke can result from heart palpitations that are due to atrial fibrillation. With this condition, the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beat regularly. This can cause a blood clot to form and break loose, causing a stroke.
If Peak Heart & Vascular suspects your heart palpitations are caused by arrhythmia or other heart condition, you receive screening tests, such as:
The team at Peak Heart & Vascular might also suggest a loop recorder, which is an implantable device that stays with you to monitor your heart 24/7. The device can be implanted in the office.
If these screenings reveal a condition, such as an arrhythmia, your doctor focuses on offering the best treatment for your needs. That may include medications, lifestyle modifications, a pacemaker, or other procedures.
If you’re concerned about heart palpitations, call Peak Heart & Vascular to set up an evaluation or book online right away.