Should I Worry About Heart Palpitations?

Your heart beats around 100,000 times a day, but you rarely notice it — until you feel something unusual. Heart palpitations are irregular heartbeats that can draw attention to your chest and make you wonder if something’s wrong.

Palpitations can feel like a fluttering, racing heartbeat or even as though your heart has skipped a beat. While they can understandably cause concern, most palpitations are harmless. Dr. Ola Akinboboye and our team at Laurelton Heart Specialists are here to explain more about heart palpitations, their causes, and when to seek care.

Understanding heart palpitations 

Your heart works tirelessly to pump blood throughout your body. When it beats in a smooth, steady rhythm, you’re usually unaware of the process. Heart palpitations occur when something disrupts this rhythm.

The sensations of heart palpitations can vary from person to person — and even between episodes. Common descriptions include: 

• A racing heartbeat 
• A pounding sensation 
• Fluttering in the chest 
• Feeling like your heart skipped a beat 
• An extra or double beat 

You might feel these sensations in your chest, throat, or neck. It’s normal to become suddenly aware of your heartbeat when you experience palpitations.

Common causes of heart palpitations 

Most palpitations aren’t linked to serious heart problems and often stem from lifestyle or environmental factors. They may stem from: 

• Intense physical activity 
• Anxiety, depression, or panic attacks 
• Emotional stress 
• Hormonal fluctuations 
• Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, or certain drugs 
• Alcohol consumption 

Less commonly, some palpitations may indicate underlying cardiovascular conditions such as arrhythmias or heart disease.

When should you see a doctor about heart palpitations? 

Heart palpitations are pretty common and may not require medical attention. However, if they happen frequently or you’re concerned about your heart, booking a consultation with Dr. Ola Akinboboye at Laurelton Heart Specialists can provide reassurance and clarity. 

Sometimes, heart palpitations point to cardiac issues that need medical attention, such as:

Tachycardia 

Tachycardia is when your heart beats faster than normal while at rest. This irregular heart rhythm can result from various heart disorders, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or ventricular fibrillation.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) 

POTS is a condition that impacts blood flow and prevents individuals from maintaining stable blood pressure levels. It often leads to sudden fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure. Common symptoms include lightheadedness, fainting, and a rapid, uncomfortable surge in heartbeat.

Since palpitations are often brief, record them, including the time of day, duration, and triggers. This information can help us tailor your diagnosis. We frequently use ambulatory arrhythmia monitoring, which involves wearing a device that tracks your heart’s activity over time, helping us pinpoint potential triggers.

If your palpitations are accompanied by troubling symptoms such as fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical care. Additionally, patients with pre-existing heart conditions like congestive heart failure or high-risk factors for heart disease should always get palpitations evaluated promptly.

Still have concerns about heart palpitations? Call Laurelton Heart Specialists in Rosedale, New York, or book a consultation online today.