Understandably, palpitations can elicit fear and anxiety and be an unpleasant experience.
Though palpitations are common, and many are not dangerous, new or changing heart palpitations warrant medical evaluation.
Images we create and what actually happens are always beautiful when we have imagination.
Images we create and what actually happens are always beautiful when we have imagination. / Getty Images
What Happens During an ECG?
The electrical signals within the heart are measured and translated onto paper as a pattern of wavy lines.
Healthcare providers recognize arrhythmias as abnormalities within these wavy lines.
PACs and PVCs are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate underlying heart disease.
Specifically, PVCs can predictheart failureand causecardiomyopathy(enlarged heart).
PACs can predictatrial fibrillationandstroke(see below).
There are different types of AFib, some intermittent or episodic and others more persistent or lifelong.
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), similar to AFib, originates in the atria.
Common types of SVT are:
SVT is rarely life-threatening, but episodes can be disruptive and very unpleasant.
In some cases, people report shortness of breath (dyspnea) or chest discomfort.
It may be an early or late complication of aheart attack.
What if the ECG Is Normal?
It can provide insight into the cause of the palpitations, including whether they are potentially dangerous.
Likewise, relief of the palpitations through theValsalva maneuver(a breathing technique) suggests SVT.
Such causes include:
Lastly,sinus tachycardiais a common cause of palpitations.
When the stressful (or other) situation resolves, sinus tachycardiaand thus a person’s palpitationshould resolve.
Mitral valve prolapse is also often heard on the physical exam because it causes a classicmurmur.
Moreover, examining a person’s body can provide clues about non-heart-related causes.
Step 4: Diagnostic Tests
Various blood and imaging tests are also often ordered when evaluating palpitations.
They can also be caused byanemiaor an overactive thyroid gland.
See your provider for an evaluation if you are pregnant and experiencing any palpitations.
Your palpitations may be triggering or stemming from an anxiety disorder likepanic disorder.
In some cases, namely panic disorder, a beta-blocker calledInderal (propanolol)may be prescribed.
Also, remain cognizant of any new symptoms associated with your palpitations.
Lastly, regardless of any prior evaluation for palpitations, see a provider if your palpitations change in pattern.
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