Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations can feel like fluttering, pounding, or skipped beats. At Parkview Cardiology PLLC in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, uses advanced testing to uncover the cause and recommend appropriate treatments. While palpitations are often nothing to worry about, don’t ignore your symptoms in case they relate to a more serious problem. Call Parkview Cardiology PLLC today or book an appointment online to discover the cause of your heart palpitations.

What are heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are feelings that your heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats. They can last a few seconds or several minutes. Many people notice them in their chest, throat, and/or neck.

While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes signal an underlying heart condition.

What causes heart palpitations?

Palpitations can happen for many reasons, including:

• Stress or anxiety
• Caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine consumption
• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes
• Thyroid problems
• Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) like atrial fibrillation

Sometimes, palpitations occur without a clear cause. If they’re frequent or happen with other symptoms, it’s important to undergo a medical evaluation.

When should I worry about palpitations?

Seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms alongside palpitations:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms may point to a serious heart issue that needs urgent care. Schedule a routine appointment if these symptoms don’t accompany your palpitations.

How are heart palpitations diagnosed?

Dr. Sankholkar begins the diagnosis of your heart palpitations with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. He may also employ heart function tests, such as:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) to record your heart’s electrical activity
• Holter or event monitor to track your heart rhythm over 24 hours (or longer)
• Echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to check the heart structure and function
• Blood tests to look for thyroid or electrolyte imbalances

Sometimes, Dr. Sankholkar may recommend additional procedures like stress testing or advanced imaging.

What treatments are available for heart palpitations?

Heart palpitation treatment depends on the cause, but possible approaches include:

Lifestyle changes

Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and stress can help with heart palpitations.

Medication adjustments

You might need to consult your doctor about adjusting your current prescription medications if they could be causing palpitations.

Treating underlying conditions

If you have conditions like thyroid disease or anemia, treating them is vital.

Managing arrhythmias

Arrhythmia treatments may involve taking medications to regulate your heartbeat. Another option is ablation — an interventional cardiology procedure that destroys cells in the heart responsible for the faulty rhythm.

As an independent provider, Parkview Cardiology PLLC can also refer you to the best subspecialists without being restricted by referral patterns.

Most palpitations are harmless, but they can sometimes signal a heart problem. If you experience frequent palpitations or other symptoms like dizziness or chest pain, don’t ignore them. 

For expert care from providers that truly listen, deliver thoughtful evaluations, and offer advanced therapeutic strategies, contact Parkview Cardiology PLLC today by phone or online.