Palpitations

1. What are palpitations?

Palpitations are a patients description of an abnormal heart sensation. Palpitations can result from a heart rhythm abnormality such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or ectopic beats , but may result from a normal heart beat (sinus rhythm) appearing to beat more quickly or strongly (such as during peak exercise).

2. How do I know if palpitations are serious?

There are a few red-flag symptoms to look out for which should prompt urgent onward evaluation. These include:

• Shortness of breath with palpitations
• Fainting or extreme dizziness with palpitations
• Central chest pain with palpitations.

If you have any of these symptoms, particularly if they persist for over 5 minutes despite resting, then you may need to arrange an urgent appointment to see a cardiologist for further assessment and review. If you feel very unwell with these symptoms and they persist, it may be necessary to call an ambulance.

If your palpitations are only short-lived, or only occur in isolated short runs, for example a sensation of skipped beats or strong heart beats, it is possible you may have ectopic beats.

3. What tests may be needed for palpitations?

Palpitations are usually investigated by taking a thorough clinical history which will usually give clues into the likely possible diagnoses. Where needed, other tests may be done including:-

• Echocardiography
• ECG
• Exercise testing
• Long Term ECG Monitoring (24hour Holter, 7 day Holter, Ziopatch (14 day) monitoring

Dr Lim will be able to arrange these tests for you, and it is also possible that Dr Lim’s team may be able to post out Long Term Monitoring to your home or office, with clear instructions on how to fasten the equipment before posting this back for Dr Lim’s review before your initial clinical appointment. This can often save some time and further consultations if the diagnosis can be clearly made on this initial monitor.

To arrange testing for palpitations, please contact Dr Lim’s PA on 0207 042 1789, or email: pa@drboonlim.co.uk

I cannot travel to London to see Dr Lim, can I still be reviewed by Dr Lim to discuss palpitations?

Dr Lim is able to usually set up Skype or telephone consults to discuss your symptoms. He will be able to then plan a strategy of diagnostic investigations, including mobile investigations such as a long term ECG monitoring to help gain clarity on your diagnosis.
It would be extremely helpful if you have prior information, to summarise this in a note together with scanned copies of previous investigations, send by email to: pa@drboonlim.co.uk prior to the mobile consultation.

If you have palpitations, and would like a rapid assessment potentially with mobile Long Term ECG Monitoring sent to your home or office, please contact Dr Lim’s team on the link below: