Anglim Private Health is a private GP surgery in Bury St Edmunds. We can help investigate and manage palpitaitons.
Palpitations are feelings of fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats. Many people experience them at some point, and they are usually harmless. However, sometimes they can be a sign of an underlying health problem. This article explains the different ways doctors can investigate palpitations to find out what’s causing them.
What Happens First?
- Talking and Checking: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms—like when they happen, how often, what seems to trigger them, and if you have other symptoms like dizziness or chest pain. They will also examine your heartbeat and overall health.
- Deciding How Serious: The doctor will also check if there are any signs of a serious condition, such as fainting, chest pain, or a family history of heart problems. This helps decide how quickly and what kind of tests you may need.
Common Tests to Investigate Palpitations
- ECG (Electrocardiogram):
- A simple test that records your heartbeat on paper or a screen. It can detect abnormal rhythms or signs of heart trouble.
- Sometimes, you may need to wear a portable monitor (Holter monitor) for a day or two to catch irregularities that happen only sometimes.
- Heartbeat Monitors:
- If your symptoms don’t happen all the time, your doctor might suggest a device you can carry around, which records your heartbeat when you feel symptoms or automatically if an irregularity occurs.
- Blood Tests:
- These can check things like thyroid health or electrolyte levels, which can sometimes cause palpitations.
Additional Checks and Tests
- Stress Test:
- If your symptoms happen when you exercise, a treadmill test may be done to see how your heart responds to physical activity.
- Heart Ultrasound (Echocardiogram):
- Uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart, checking its size, shape, and how well it works.
- Special Heart Rhythm Tests:
- In some cases, more advanced tests like an electrophysiology study (EPS) or implantable monitors may be necessary if initial tests don’t find the cause.
When to See a Specialist
If tests show hidden heart problems or arrhythmias, or if symptoms are severe or happen very often, your doctor may refer you to a heart specialist for further tests and treatment.
What Can You Do in the meantime?
Most palpitations are harmless. Keeping a healthy lifestyle—such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and stress—can help. Sharing your concerns and understanding what’s happening can also ease worries.
In Summary
Checking what causes palpitations starts with simple tests and careful review of your symptoms. More detailed tests may be needed if initial results don’t explain your symptoms. At Anglim Private Health we can help you through the initial investigations and if required organise an onward referral to the best specialists both locally and in Cambridge or London. Please contact us if you want help with your palpitaitons.
Appointments from £95.