Are Heart Palpitations Something to Worry About?

Our hearts have a lot of work to do to keep blood constantly circulating throughout our bodies. So, it would be understandable to have a little hiccup now and again. In fact, heart palpitations are fairly common — and usually not dangerous. 

That said, that fluttering sensation in your chest or the feeling that your heart isn’t beating in normal rhythm could indicate a heart condition. 

Ultimately, you don’t need to panic if you’re having heart palpitations. But you should make an appointment with David Bolon, MD, at Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular in Midtown East Manhattan, New York City. Here’s why.

Understanding heart palpitations

Changes in your normal heartbeat could come from any number of causes. Something as simple as exercise or a strong emotion like stress could be to blame. Natural hormonal changes and some medications can also cause palpitations. 

Start monitoring your palpitations and think back to what precedes them. If you always get them after working out or eating a spicy meal, they probably have a benign cause. Still, though, you may want to talk to Dr. Bolon about them to put your mind at ease.

Palpitations can be a cause for concern if they come up out of the blue on a regular basis or last longer than they should (e.g., well after you’ve cooled down from your workout). 

Also, monitor any accompanying symptoms. Talk with Dr. Bolon right away if your heart palpitations come with:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain or tightness in your chest
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• A pervasive sense of anxiety

Here at our office, he can perform a cardiac evaluation to assess your heart’s rhythm and determine what’s causing your irregularity.

Finding the cause of your palpitations

Dr. Bolon speaks with you about your symptoms and any triggers you’ve noticed. He also performs a physical exam and reviews your medical history. 

From there, he may recommend specific diagnostic tools. With painless tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram, for example, he can see how your heart performs. This way, he can identify what’s causing your palpitations.

In many cases, recurring heart palpitations mean you’re living with arrhythmia, which is essentially an irregular heartbeat. Dr. Bolon tailors your treatment plan based on your unique heart. In mild cases, managing arrhythmia means lifestyle changes like adapting your diet. In other cases, medication, minor surgeries, or options like a pacemaker may be the best way to keep your heartbeat regular. 

Dr. Bolon explores your options with you. His ultimate goal is stabilizing your heartbeat to protect your health long-term. 

If you have rare, fleeting heart palpitations, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But if you regularly experience them, don’t hesitate to call (716) 303-4738 or book your appointment online.