HEART PALPITATIONS

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Heart palpitations are often the result of an excessively fast or irregular heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia). You may notice an irregular heartbeat, even if it lasts only a few seconds or minutes, and you may feel dizzy and fall. The palpitations may be infrequent or occur many times during the day. You might sense a “missed beat” or feel as though your heart has momentarily stopped. Some people experience a fluttering in the chest or “butterflies.” In many older people the symptoms may be unclear, but they can be frightening. I know of people who have been found to have an irregular heart rhythm only after they have fallen and injured themselves.

It can be difficult at times to find the cause of palpitations. The usual electrocardiograms may not show the abnormal heart rhythm. A test using a Holter ambulatory monitor (ambulatory cardiogram) may be necessary to determine the exact cause of the palpitations. This is available in most medical centers. After diagnosis, palpitations can usually be treated successfully.

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