Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Remedy For Persistent Heart Palpitations
Question: I've had undiagnosed heart palpitations for 5-6 years. I say undiagnosed because I did a holter monitor and stress test both of which came back normal as I did not have any issues during the monitoring period. From as far as I can tell they are very infrequent. However aprox 2 nights ago I had what felt like a "run" of 5-very forceful heartbeats in a room. I have had fluttering for 1 or 2 seconds in the past and I had also previously has what I believe was bigemy which felt like a forceful beat, then a normal beat, then a forceful beat, for about 4-5 beats. This was the first time I have ever had 5-strong beats in a row. It went away right after and while it happened I did not have any strange symptoms. i know it is hard to speculate but what do you think 5 forceful beats in a row could be? I spoke to my GP she just kind of rolled her eyes and said it's not a big deal. I say 5-heart beats in a room, but I mean "row"
Brief Answer:
Further investigations, if symptomatic
Detailed Answer:
Hi friend
Welcome to Health Care Magic
Irregular heartbeats need to be documented for accurate assessment and appropriate treatment. Three or more beats in a row – called tachycardia (fast rate / 100 or more per minute) – may arise from upper or lower chambers, usually the former (Supraventricular Tachycardia)
An event monitor can help. Holter records for days; Event Monitor for weeks… Holter records continuously; Event Monitor only at certain times
If there are no clues and if the problem is still bothering to the extent of interfering with life style, there are advanced techniques of investigations – Electro Physiological Studies (EPS) > it resembles angio – a catheter is put inside the heart / electrical activity recorded / stimulation and suppression tests are carried out / suitable medicine tested and so on. There are other advanced treatment modalities - like ablation (thermal or radio-frequency), which could be done during EPS.
Though the test is the gold standard, it is INVASIVE and hence is not generally done unless there are compelling indications. This super-speciality expert is called ELECTRO-PHYSIOLOGIST. The treating doctor may suggest them depending on need, based on his assessment of the situation.
Follow up with your cardiologist. Many cases of palpitation are benign, especially when associated with normal ECHO and may not require treatment, If you also have symptoms like blurred vision, dizziness, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, chest pain along with this, you need urgent work up
Good luck
God bless you
Further investigations, if symptomatic
Detailed Answer:
Hi friend
Welcome to Health Care Magic
Irregular heartbeats need to be documented for accurate assessment and appropriate treatment. Three or more beats in a row – called tachycardia (fast rate / 100 or more per minute) – may arise from upper or lower chambers, usually the former (Supraventricular Tachycardia)
An event monitor can help. Holter records for days; Event Monitor for weeks… Holter records continuously; Event Monitor only at certain times
If there are no clues and if the problem is still bothering to the extent of interfering with life style, there are advanced techniques of investigations – Electro Physiological Studies (EPS) > it resembles angio – a catheter is put inside the heart / electrical activity recorded / stimulation and suppression tests are carried out / suitable medicine tested and so on. There are other advanced treatment modalities - like ablation (thermal or radio-frequency), which could be done during EPS.
Though the test is the gold standard, it is INVASIVE and hence is not generally done unless there are compelling indications. This super-speciality expert is called ELECTRO-PHYSIOLOGIST. The treating doctor may suggest them depending on need, based on his assessment of the situation.
Follow up with your cardiologist. Many cases of palpitation are benign, especially when associated with normal ECHO and may not require treatment, If you also have symptoms like blurred vision, dizziness, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, chest pain along with this, you need urgent work up
Good luck
God bless you
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
