Palpitations

ENGLISH / MALTESE

What are palpitations?

  • Palpitations refer to the sensation of feeling your heartbeat

  • You may feel a pounding feeling in your chest, and sometimes in the neck and ear, especially when lying flat

  • They may last from seconds to minutes and may be uncomfortable

“Palpitations are often harmless; however, they may be associated with abnormalities in your heart rhythm (arrhythmias) ”

What causes palpitations?

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Certain medications

  • Caffeine

  • A natural response to exercise

  • Alcohol

  • Smoking (LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET)

  • Recreational drugs

  • Heart conditions including arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common example of an arrhythmia [LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET]), heart failure (LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET), heart valve disease (LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET), ectopic beats (this refers to early or premature beats which occur when your heart gives off an extra heartbeat)

  • Hormonal changes, such as thyroid abnormalities and  pregnancy

When should I see a doctor?

You should visit your doctor if you have:

  • frequent episodes of palpitations

  • associated symptoms such as fainting, chest pain, dizziness

  • a history of a heart condition

  • any concerns


What will my doctor do?

  • Ask relevant questions regarding your palpitations

  • Examine you and check your pulse for any indication of your heart’s rhythm 

  • Take blood tests 

  • Perform an electrocardiogram (ECG); this refers to a device which checks the electrical activity of your heart using adhesive pads and electrodes. An ECG is performed on a 10-second strip. It may also be performed for a longer period, normally for 24-72 hours, an investigation known as a Holter ECG 

How can I treat my palpitations?

  • Palpitations often do not require treatment as they are usually harmless

  • If a cause is identified, the treatment will differ according to what is causing the palpitations

  • In the case of an arrhythmia, medications may be needed 

  • If no underlying condition is identified, important advice is to avoid caffeine, reduce your stress levels, stop smoking or any recreational drugs

Take-Home Messages

Palpitations are common and usually harmless

Occasionally palpitations may be due to underlying abnormal electrical activity in the heart

Treatment is often not required, but if it is, the palpitations commonly resolve once the underlying condition is treated

HELP AND SUPPORT

If you have any questions regarding our article feel free to contact us on info@maltaheartfoundation.org or our Facebook page (LINK).

This article was authored by Dr. Bernard Borg edited by Dr. Neil Grech, in collaboration with the Malta Heart Foundation and Maltese Cardiac Society.

Cardiac ConditionsMHF Admin - Matthew Farrugia