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Heart Fluttering? A Cardiologist’s Guide to Understanding Palpitations
It can happen in the middle of your workday, while you’re watching a movie, in the shower, or at any other time. An abnormal heart rhythm will often get your attention very quickly. But knowing when a fluttering heartbeat is something to worry about isn’t always easy.
At Heart and Vascular Care, we encourage our patients to listen to their bodies and to never hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. That includes when someone notices a change in their heart rhythm. If you live in or around Plano or McKinney, Texas, we’re here to help with any heart-related health issues.
Today, let’s talk about heart rhythm irregularities, what they might mean, and when to seek medical guidance.
Some heart rhythm changes are perfectly normal
Your heart rhythm changes as you move through your day. For example, when you exert yourself, your heart rate picks up to move more oxygenated blood through your system. When you’re winding down for sleep, your heart rate slows.
Heartbeats can fluctuate after you have coffee or other caffeinated drinks, or when you become tense during an argument or negotiation. Even something as simple as driving in traffic can temporarily change your heart rhythm.
What does a fluttering heart feel like?
Often, you don’t even notice changes in your heart rhythm. But other times, you can notice these changes, and it can be distressing. Here are some of the ways people describe the sensations of a fluttering heartbeat:
- Abnormally rapid heartbeat
- Feeling that your heart is “skipping” beats
- Abnormally intense heartbeats
- Heartbeats that feel pounding or barely there
If you experience these sensations only occasionally and for short periods, there may be nothing to worry about. But if irregular heart rhythms occur frequently, or last more than a minute or two at a time, it may be time to see a specialist to determine the cause.
Many things can cause an irregular heartbeat
When a patient arrives at Heart and Vascular Care with complaints of irregular heartbeat, we deliver a comprehensive assessment to learn more about the potential cause. Not all heart rhythm issues signal a serious heart problem.
Something as simple as an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration can affect your heart rhythm. These issues can be easily corrected, and we can show you how to avoid future occurrences. Thyroid abnormalities are also a common cause of unusual heartbeat patterns and, once diagnosed, can be easily treated. Anemia is another common cause of arrhythmias and can be addressed through simple treatments.
We begin by asking questions about your health history and lifestyle. Lab testing is often part of the process and can reveal signs of heart disease or a high risk of heart disease. We also offer a range of advanced diagnostic tools through our office.
Some of the more serious potential causes of heart rhythm irregularities include heart disease, heart valve abnormalities, hypertension, previous heart attack, and congenital heart defects. We have tests that can provide more insight into how well your heart is functioning and what could be causing your abnormal heart rhythm.
The first step is to schedule a visit at Heart and Vascular Care, which you can do with a quick phone call or by visiting our online booking page. We understand that a fluttering heart can be distressing, and we are ready to help you find answers and solutions.