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If the patient's symptoms are more severe, such as significant lightheadedness or loss of consciousness associated with palpitations, a more comprehensive evaluation is warranted. Diagnosing heart palpitations with severe symptoms In most cases, palpitations have a very benign origin, and nothing more than a thorough history and physical examination, an ECG, and perhaps some basic blood lab work is needed. In terms of laboratory studies, those will be determined by the overall condition and the findings of the physical exam. This is followed by a thorough physical examination focusing on the heart and lungs. The evaluation usually starts like any other complaint, with a good history focused on things like the types of food, beverages, and over-the-counter medications. How does the physician evaluate palpitations? Some over-the-counter medications such as cold and allergy remedies that contain decongestants (pseudoephedrine) often can precipitate palpitations.įrequently, palpitations occur without any obvious precipitating factor, although fatigue, stress, and lack of sleep also cause palpitations to occur or worsen. Some patients complain of palpitations when they eat too much chocolate, and some patients respond with palpitations around the holiday when they tend to drink too much alcohol. Frequently reducing or eliminating beverages that contain caffeine such as coffee or soda can improve palpitations.
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Some people are sensitive to any amount of stimulant, but we began to see more caffeine-related palpitations when espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes became popular in the 1990s. Can something I eat or drink cause heart palpitations?Ī common substance associated with palpitations is caffeine. Occasionally palpitations can be perceived in unusual ways including a general sense of uneasiness, and, rarely, palpitations are associated with lightheadedness or even loss of consciousness. But over time, atrial flutter often returns since cardioversion alone does not correct the underlying causes of an abnormal heart rhythm.A perception of irregularity of the pulse, an uneasiness in the chest, a flip-flopping in the chest frequently people describe their palpitations as "my heart stops." Certainly a feeling of strong pulse throughout the chest, head, and neck could well be described as a palpitation. This commonly will restore your normal heart rhythm. electrical cardioversion therapy, which involves using a special machine to send electrical energy to the heart muscle.Medication alone is successful in 20 to 30 percent of people with atrial flutter. medication to control your heart rhythm.Other treatment options for atrial flutter include: With atypical atrial flutter, cardiac ablation is successful for 60 to 70 percent of patients, since additional scarring in the heart chamber may develop over time and cause different atypical atrial flutters. But it is unlikely you will need general anesthesia requiring the use of a ventilator.Ĭardiac ablation is very effective for people with typical atrial flutter, providing a cure for 90 percent of these patients. This procedure uses heat energy or cold energy to destroy a small area of heart tissue that is causing the atrial flutter. Cardiac Ablationĭuring a cardiac ablation, we will insert thin, flexible tubes into your groin and guide them to the affected area. We will develop a detailed treatment plan for you, which may include one or more of the therapies below. Our heart specialists have extensive experience in treating people with atrial flutter and AFib. If not, your doctor may recommend treatment. Sometimes atrial flutter goes away by itself.