AWARENESS OF ONE'S OWN HEARTBEAT
Palpitations
Awareness of one's own heartbeat — often felt as fluttering, racing or skipping — due to many possible causes, ranging from harmless extra beats to underlying heart or thyroid conditions.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What are Palpitations
Palpitations are the uncomfortable awareness of one's own heartbeat, often described as fluttering, racing, pounding or skipping. They can occur in healthy people due to stress, caffeine, alcohol, exercise, anxiety or strong emotions, and are usually harmless. However, in some patients, palpitations are due to underlying conditions such as arrhythmias, thyroid disorders, anaemia, electrolyte imbalances, heart disease or side effects of medications. Important warning features include palpitations associated with chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, fainting or known heart disease. Diagnosis usually involves a careful history, examination, ECG, thyroid testing, blood counts and, in selected patients, longer-term rhythm monitoring or specialised cardiac investigations. Treatment depends on the cause and may range from reassurance and lifestyle measures to targeted medical therapy and cardiology referral. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive evaluation and care for palpitations at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Stress, anxiety and panic attacks
- Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and stimulants
- Thyroid disorders, particularly hyperthyroidism
- Anaemia and electrolyte imbalances
- Arrhythmias of various types
- Coronary artery disease and heart failure
- Certain medications and decongestants
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy and menopause
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
ECG, Holter monitoring, thyroid tests, blood counts and echocardiography where indicated
But warning features deserve careful evaluation
Targeted to the underlying cause
Caffeine, alcohol and stimulant reduction often helps
Recommended for significant or persistent symptoms
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Detailed Evaluation with Targeted Treatment
The most effective approach is a detailed evaluation to identify the underlying cause — combining a careful history, ECG, thyroid and blood tests, longer-term rhythm monitoring where needed — followed by targeted treatment of the specific arrhythmia, thyroid or anxiety-related cause.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews the pattern, triggers and associated symptoms, examines the heart and orders ECG, thyroid tests and blood counts.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on the most likely cause, with further rhythm monitoring or cardiology referral as needed.
- 3
Medical Management
Reassurance and lifestyle modification for benign palpitations, with targeted medical therapy for specific arrhythmias, thyroid disease or anxiety.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Follow-up review to confirm response, address any new symptoms and provide long-term reassurance and care.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
ECG and Holter Monitoring
ECG, Holter monitoring and event recorders help capture the rhythm during palpitations and confirm the diagnosis.
Treating Arrhythmia, Anxiety or Thyroid Dysfunction
Specific treatment depends on the underlying cause — anti-arrhythmic therapy, thyroid management or anxiety care.
Lifestyle Counselling (Caffeine, Alcohol)
Reducing caffeine, alcohol, smoking and stimulants often significantly reduces palpitations in many patients.
Reassurance if Benign
Many patients have benign palpitations and benefit from clear explanation, reassurance and stress management.
Cardiology Referral if Needed (Referral for cardiology)
Patients with significant arrhythmias, structural heart disease or persistent symptoms are referred for specialist evaluation.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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