Continued
At the Doctor’s Office
Your doctor will:
- Give you a physical exam
- Take down your medical history
- Want to know about your current medications, diet, and lifestyle
- Ask for specifics about when, how often, and under what circumstances your palpitations occur
Sometimes, a blood test can help your doctor find the cause of your palpitations. Other useful tests include:
Electrocardiogram (EKG): This can be done while you’re at rest or exercising. The latter is called a stress EKG. In both cases, the test records your heart's electrical signals and can find unusual heart rhythms.
Holter monitoring : You’ll wear a monitor on your chest. It continuously records your heart's electrical signals for 24 to 48 hours. It can identify rhythm differences that weren't picked up during an EKG.
Event recording: You’ll wear a device on your chest and use a handheld gadget to record your heart's electrical signals when symptoms occur.
Chest X-ray: Your doctor will check for changes in your lungs that could come from heart problems. For example, if he finds fluid in your lungs, it may come from heart failure.
Echocardiogram : This is an ultrasound of your heart. It provides detailed information about its structure and function.
If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist for more tests or treatment.
Treatment
This depends on their cause. Often, palpitations are harmless and go away on their own. In that case, no treatment is needed.
If your doctor doesn't find a cause, he may advise you to avoid the things that might trigger the palpitations. Strategies may include:
Easing anxiety and stress. Common ways include:
- Relaxation exercises
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Biofeedback
- Guided imagery
- Aromatherapy
Cutting out certain foods, beverages, and other substances. These may include:
- Alcohol
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
- Illegal drugs
Avoiding medications that act as stimulants. You may have to steer clear of:
- Cough and cold medicines
- Certain herbal and nutritional supplements
If lifestyle changes don’t help, you may be prescribed medications. In some cases, these will be beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers.
If your doctor finds a reason for your palpitations, he will focus on treating that reason.