Heart Palpitation Clinic at CMC Dubai
Heart palpitations are described as sensations of having a rapid heartbeat, fluttering, or pounding heart. Sometimes they can be brought on by a medical condition, stress, or vigorous exercise. As much as palpitations can be bothersome to a person, they are not that serious or harmful to worry about since they often go away on their own.
At Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital in Dubai, our highly trained UK, US & German Board Certified Cardiologists are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and treat heart palpitations.
Though not common, heart palpitations may be caused by a more serious heart condition. It is highly recommended that one should seek immediate medical attention if palpitations come with:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fainting
Causes of Heart Palpitations
Often, palpitations are either directly related to an individual’s heart or unknown causes.
Non-related causes of heart palpitations
- Vigorous physical exercise or activity
- Strong emotions such as fear, stress, or anxiety
- Consumption of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or hard drugs
- Specific medical conditions such as low blood sugar level, anemia, low blood pressure, thyroid disease, dehydration, and fever.
- Changes in hormones during pregnancy, menstruation, or immediately before the onset of menopause. According to research, palpitations occurring during pregnancy could be a sign of anemia.
- Nutritional supplements and some herbal medications
- Food sensitivity is also another potential cause of heart palpitations. For instance, in some people, palpitations may happen after having heavy meals rich in carbohydrates, sugar, or fat.
Causes related to heart disease
- Heart failure
- Heart muscle problems
- Coronary artery disease
- A prior heart attack
- Problems associated with heart valves
Symptoms of Heart Palpitations
Common symptoms of heart palpitations include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Pounding of the heart
- Skipping of a heartbeat
- Flip-flopping
- Rapid fluttering of the heart
Diagnosis of Heart Palpitations
To make definitive diagnosis, the doctor will:
- Perform a physical exam
- Enquire about the patient’s medical history
- Enquire about the patient’s current medications, diet, and lifestyle
To confirm the diagnosis, the cardiologist may recommend a blood test and other examinations which include the following:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): The test captures the electrical signals from an individual’s heart and can detect abnormal cardiac rhythms.
- Holter monitoring: The patient wears a monitor on the chest which continuously records his/her heart’s electrical signals for 24 to 48 hours.
- Event recording: The patient will be required to wear a device on the chest and use a handheld device to record his/her heart’s electrical activity when symptoms present.
- Chest X-ray: The doctor will examine the patient’s lungs for any abnormalities that might be caused by heart problems.
Treatment of Heart Palpitations
Treatments for palpitations depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, heart palpitations are considered harmless and normally disappear on their own.
If the doctor is unable to identify the cause, he/she might suggest that the patient stay away from anything that could worsen the palpitations. Some possible solutions include:
- Taking steps to reduce stress and anxiety
- Leaving a tense environment
- Making an effort to remain calm
