When heart flutters or episodes of a rapid heartbeat have you concerned about your health, you can receive comprehensive diagnostic care at Houston Cardiology in Southwest Houston, Texas. Board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist, Khuyen Do, MD, offers a variety of on-site diagnostic technologies to identify the root cause of your palpitations. Dr. Do and his cardiology team also provides you with resources to help you understand your heart health and customizes a care plan to reduce the frequency of palpitations. To find out more about the benefits of diagnostic testing for palpitations, schedule a consultation by calling Houston Cardiology today.
Palpitations Q & A
What are palpitations?
Palpitations describe the feelings of a fluttering or fast-beating heart. While palpitations are common and usually harmless, they may be a warning sign of another underlying health condition.
In some, the root cause of heart palpitations remains unknown. However, many people experience occasional palpitations as the result of:
- Fever
- Thyroid disorder
- Hormone changes
- Strenuous exercise
- Strong emotional reactions
How are palpitations diagnosed?
While heart palpitations may be nothing to worry about, the experts at Houston Cardiology recommend diagnostic testing if you experience recurring or frequent rapid heartbeats. This testing helps him confirm or rule out underlying heart conditions, such as arrhythmia, to prevent heart attacks, stroke, or heart failure.
The Houston Cardiology team offers several on-site diagnostic heart tests including:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Holter monitoring
Based on the results of your tests, your doctor can determine if your palpitations require treatment.
How are palpitations treated?
If you don’t have an underlying thyroid or heart condition, the Houston Cardiology team works with you on lifestyle changes that can reduce the frequency of heart palpitations. This may include learning stress-reduction techniques, getting daily exercise, and eating a heart-healthy diet. You may also need routine heart screenings to identify changes in the earliest stages, when most conditions are highly treatable.
When palpitations result from existing heart issues, your provider creates a treatment plan that may include medications to improve heart function. They can discuss your options for treatment during your visit and help you make the right decision based on your needs.
If necessary, your Houston Cardiology specialist may perform an ablation procedure to remove tissue responsible for underlying arrhythmias.
If you experience frequent palpitations or a recurring rapid heartbeat, schedule a diagnostic heart evaluation with Dr. Do and the team by calling Houston Cardiology today.