Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are common and usually not a serious health concern. However, the cardiology experts at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, Wesley Chapel and Riverview, Florida, recommend scheduling a cardiology consultation if you have frequent heart palpitations. The state-of-the-art cardiology practice uses advanced diagnostic testing to find the cause of your pounding or fluttering heartbeat. Call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.

What does it feel like to have heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations feel like your heart is beating too close to your chest. The heartbeat may be too fast or feel like it’s skipping or fluttering in your chest. You may also feel an unusual heartbeat in your throat or neck. Heart palpitations usually only last a few seconds or a few minutes.

Anyone can develop heart palpitations at any time, even at rest. Anxiety and caffeine are common causes. You can also develop heart palpitations from exercise or dehydration.

In most cases, heart palpitations aren’t a serious health concern.

When should I seek help for heart palpitations?

You should seek help for heart palpitations if you have them frequently or have an underlying heart condition. Heart palpitations also need an evaluation if they’re getting worse. 

Your pounding or fluttering heartbeat may mean you have an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Valvular heart diseases may also cause heart palpitations. 

If you have concerns about heart health, schedule a cardiology consultation at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute.

What can I expect during a cardiology consult for heart palpitations?

You can expect a patient-centered consultation at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute for heart palpitations. Its experts want to confirm or rule out a cardiac condition so you get the most effective treatment plan.

Your specialist reviews your symptoms and asks about factors that may trigger heart palpitations (e.g., stress, diet, or medication). They ask about your medical and family history and perform a physical exam.

The team may also have you undergo diagnostic testing, such as an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor testing. They may also perform a cardiac catheterization to evaluate the structure of your heart. 

How do I stop heart palpitations?

Finding and treating the cause of your heart palpitations can help stop or limit their frequency. The team at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute talks to you about their findings and makes treatment recommendations, such as:

• Engaging in stress-reducing activities
• Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine
• Choosing less intense workouts

If you have an underlying heart condition, your provider at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute may prescribe medication, perform a procedure, or place a device like a pacemaker to improve or stop your heart palpitations.

Call Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute or use the online booking feature to learn more about what’s causing your heart palpitations today.