Heart palpitations feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping a beat. Your heart is prone to spikes in activity when climbing stairs, asking out a date, or experiencing stress, but a racing heart with no cause is cause for concern. Below, we will discuss the symptoms of heart palpitations and when you should consider seeing a cardiologist. Whether you are experiencing a few symptoms or no symptoms, it’s never too early to make your heart health a priority. For a board-certified cardiologist that takes a patient-first approach to treatment, schedule an appointment with Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, the best interventional cardiologist in Tampa. 

What Causes Heart Palpitations? 

Many people experience heart palpitations differently. For some, it feels like their heart has skipped a beat, while others feel like their heart is racing or pounding. You may feel this sensation in your neck and throat as well as your chest. Heart palpitations can be caused when the ventricles or the atria of the heart behave oddly, but they can also be triggered by the following: 
 

• Stress, especially panic attacks 

• Exhaustion

• Caffeine or alcohol consumption 

• Dehydration 

• Vigorous exercise 

• Medications and supplements 

• Illicit drugs 

• Pregnancy 

• Thyroid disease 

• Food sensitivity 

When Should You Be Concerned?  

Heart palpitations are sure to be an alarming experience, but they are generally harmless. In rare cases, there may be a dangerous underlying cause. If you are experiencing heart palpitations along with the following symptoms you should seek immediate medical care: 
 

• Dizziness 

• Weakness

• Chest Pain

• Shortness of breath

• Fainting

 

Additionally, if your palpitations are recurring and lasting longer than a minute, you should consult a specialist in interventional cardiology in Tampa. In these cases, there may be a serious underlying cause, such as anemia, an overactive thyroid, low blood pressure, or low blood sugar. Heart palpitations can even be a warning sign of heart failure and heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease and arrhythmia. 

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Consult a Cardiologist

While heart palpitations are generally harmless and usually go away with time, they may be a sign of an underlying medical condition and should not be ignored. You must be proactive when it comes to your heart health. Too often, severe medical conditions are missed because heart palpitations were mistakenly thought to have a harmless cause. There can be no harm in arming yourself with knowledge of your medical condition. If you are experiencing a racing, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat, schedule an appointment with Dr. Popat, a specialist in interventional cardiology in Tampa, to have your palpitations diagnosed. 

 

Once it is determined that your palpitations are harmless, Dr. Popat can work with you to create a personalized diet and exercise plan to mitigate your condition. In many cases, small lifestyle changes are enough to reduce the occurrence of palpitations. However, if it is discovered that your heart palpitations are caused by something more severe, Dr. Popat can employ the latest in minimally invasive catheterization techniques to treat the underlying condition and quickly get you back to your career, family, and life. 

To consult Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, the best interventional cardiologist in Tampa, please call (813) 344-0934 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

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Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. 

 

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC is not responsible nor does the medical practice approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.