If you experience abnormal heart rhythms, it could be nothing to worry about or the sign of a concerning medical problem. At Advanced Heart Care Associates, with a location in Henderson, Nevada, and two locations in Las Vegas, Nevada, the board-certified cardiologists diagnose and treat the cause of palpitations when necessary to reduce the risk of complications. Call one of the offices to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
Heart palpitations occur when your heart has an abnormal rhythm. It might beat too fast, flutter, or pound heavily. A variety of conditions can cause palpitations, some of which are serious. The experts at Advanced Heart Care Associates find the root cause of palpitations and offer treatments if needed to keep you healthy.
Symptoms you might notice during heart palpitations include heartbeats that are:
You might feel palpitations in your neck, throat, or chest. See your doctor right away if you experience palpitations that occur frequently or get worse over time. Contact Advanced Heart Care Associates if you faint, have chest pain, get dizzy, or have shortness of breath.
Most of the time, palpitations aren’t a cause for concern. Sometimes, however, they can indicate a heart problem like a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
Common causes and risk factors for heart palpitations include:
Heart defects, a previous heart attack, or past heart surgery can also cause palpitations.
To find out if you have heart palpitations, your cardiologist at Advanced Heart Care Associates reviews your symptoms and medical history. They check your blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs and complete a physical exam. They listen to your heartbeat using a stethoscope and check for signs of underlying medical problems.
They might order heart function tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), Holter monitoring, an echocardiogram, or other diagnostic procedures to detect or rule out specific heart problems.
Unless you have a heart condition, you likely don’t need treatment for palpitations. If you do have a heart problem, you might need medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
Things you can do at home to reduce the risk of palpitations include keeping stress levels low and avoiding drugs, nicotine, excessive alcohol, and caffeine, as well as energy drinks and cold medications.
To find out what’s causing heart palpitations, call Advanced Heart Care Associates or book an appointment online today.