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Palpitations:

Something to Ignore?

by Cristina Sciavolino-Day, MD

H ave you ever felt a skipped heartbeat or even a

fluttering? This very common feeling is called a
palpitation. It has even been described in romance
novels when the beautiful damsel in distress notes that
her heart dances with delight or skips a beat upon seeing
her handsome knight in shining armor. Although most of
these skipped beats are harmless, some may be associated
with true cardiac issues that need further evaluation.
It is important to see your doctor if you have recurring
palpitations or if they are associated with shortness of
breath, dizziness, chest pain or confusion.
Most palpitation causes are triggered by things like
strong emotions, hard physical exercise, or lack of sleep.
Other causes include caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, cocaine,
decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, and certain Once a structural cardiac cause is ruled out and a benign issue
asthma medications. Certain medical conditions are diagnosed, treatment is usually avoidance of what is triggering
linked with a higher chance of heart rhythm changes and the palpitation. Stay well hydrated and avoid exercising in the
palpitations. These include hyperthyroidism, an electrolyte peak heat times of the day. Limit caffeine and alcohol while
imbalance (i.e. dehydration), anemia and high fever. More avoiding nicotine. Optimize your stress control measures with
serious problems such as heart disease, valve disorders or meditation or yoga. Try to sleep eight hours a night. Avoid cold
atrial fibrillation may be present. It is important that these medications with pseudoephedrine. Try to optimize control of
conditions are ruled out as they may be life threatening if any medical conditions linked with arrhythmias. Try to reverse
not diagnosed in time. the anemia by finding out what is the cause of it. Control the
Testing is quite easy. This starts with your physician thyroid condition and get your lab work checked as advised by
discussing your history followed by a thorough exam. An your physician. Medications may be added for treatment cardiac
EKG would be performed at that time to look at your conditions or if you are becoming more symptomatic from your
heart rhythm. To evaluate the rhythm for longer periods palpitations.
of time, a holter or event monitor may be required. Lab Palpitations are sometimes so quick and fleeting that they
work is then ordered to rule out the presence of anemia, are easily dismissed. However, it is important never to assume
electrolyte disorders or a thyroid condition. If further that simple things are minor in nature. They may not be.
investigation is warranted, an echocardiogram, which is Communication with your physician is key. It may save your life.
an ultrasound of the heart, may be required to look at the
heart valves. Finally, a cardiac pet scan may be added to
rule out the presence of heart disease. A cardiologist or Dr. Sciavolino-Day specializes in internal medicine focusing on
electrophysiologist may be consulted if an abnormal result wellness and prevention in her concierge practice. For further information
is found. please call 239.596.8702 or visit www.drsciavolinoday.com.

48 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2017