Understanding Palpitations and ECG

Introduction

Palpitations are the sensation of an irregular, strong, or rapid heartbeat. They can feel like your heart is: - Skipping beats - Fluttering rapidly - Pounding heavily - Beating too fast or too slow

Palpitations are often benign, but they can sometimes indicate a more serious heart condition.

Common Causes of Palpitations

Palpitations can be triggered by various factors, including: - Stress and Anxiety – Emotional distress can cause an increased heart rate. - Caffeine or Stimulants – Coffee, energy drinks, nicotine, or medications may lead to palpitations. - Electrolyte Imbalance – Low potassium, magnesium, or calcium can disturb heart rhythms. - Heart Conditions – Arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia. - Thyroid Problems – Hyperthyroidism can increase heart rate. - Anemia – Low red blood cell levels can make the heart beat faster to supply oxygen.

How ECG Helps Diagnose Palpitations

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It helps in: 1. Identifying Arrhythmias – Detects abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation or premature beats. 2. Evaluating Heart Rate and Rhythm – Helps determine if the heart is beating too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). 3. Detecting Structural Heart Disease – Some ECG changes suggest underlying heart conditions. 4. Monitoring Effects of Medication or Electrolyte Imbalances .

Additional Tests for Palpitations

If a regular ECG does not detect the issue, doctors may recommend: - Holter Monitor – A 24-48 hour ECG recording for detecting intermittent arrhythmias. - Event Recorder – A device worn for weeks that activates when symptoms occur. - Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to check heart structures and function. - Blood Tests – Thyroid function, magnesium, potassium, or anemia tests may be necessary.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if palpitations are accompanied by: - Chest pain or discomfort - Shortness of breath - Dizziness or fainting - A history of heart disease - Severe fatigue

Conclusion

Palpitations can be caused by various factors, both benign and serious. An ECG plays a crucial role in diagnosing the cause of palpitations. If you experience frequent or concerning symptoms, consult a doctor for further evaluation.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
3. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Palpitations and Arrhythmias

1. https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-13/Paroxysmal-tachycardias-How-to-address-the-clinical-presentation-of-a-patient-w
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/