WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Palpitations (pal-pih-TAY-shuns) are the feeling that
your heart has a change in rate, rhythm, or strength of the
beat. Although this can be frightening, it usually isn't
serious.
Causes
Palpitations can be caused by
anxiety, lack of sleep, certain medicines, caffeine, or too
much heavy exercise. They also may be a sign of heart disease
or other diseases.
Signs/Symptoms
Palpitations often feel like your
heart is ""skipping beats,'' ""fluttering in your chest,'' or
""racing.'' If you also feel dizzy, light-headed, short of
breath, or have chest pain along with palpitations, it could be
a sign of a life-threatening problem.
Care
Depends on the cause. If the
palpitations are due to a serious problem, you'll need to have
it treated. If a medicine is causing your heart to skip beats
or race, your doctor may stop or change the prescription.
Otherwise, you will need to stop eating or drinking foods with
caffeine in them. You will also need to make sure you get
enough rest. Remember, also, to avoid over-exercising, and try
not to get too stressed-out.
Risks
If you do not go for treatment,
the cause of the palpitations will remain unknown. Since
palpitations sometimes signal a dangerous problem, you could be
at risk for your life.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
If you are prescribed a medication, be sure to take
it as directed. If you feel it is not helping, call your
doctor. Do not quit taking it on your
own.
-
To help keep the palpitations from coming
back:
-
Drink decaffeinated coffee, tea, and soda pop. Do
not eat chocolate.
-
If you smoke, quit or cut down as much as you
can.
-
Try not to get too stressed-out or upset.
Biofeedback, yoga, or meditation will help you relax.
Exercise such as swimming, jogging, or walking also may
help reduce stress.
-
Excess weight can make the heart work harder. If
you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about the best
plan for you.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You continue to have a fast heart
beat.
-
Your palpitations occur more
often.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You get a really bad headache, dizziness, or
fainting.
-
You have chest pain that spreads to your arms, jaw,
or back, and you are sweating, feel sick to your stomach
(nauseated), and have trouble breathing. These are signs of
a heart attack.
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. Call
911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital
or clinic.
Do not drive yourself!
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Pulse Oximeter: You may be hooked up to a pulse
oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). It is placed on your ear, finger,
or toe and is connected to a machine. It measures the
oxygen in your blood.
-
Oxygen: Your body may need extra oxygen at this
time. It is given either by a mask or nasal prongs. Tell
your doctor if the oxygen is drying out your nose or if the
nasal prongs bother you.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the
blood.
-
Blood Gases: Blood is taken from an artery in your
wrist, elbow, or groin. It is tested for the amount of
oxygen in your blood.
-
ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an
electrocardiograph (e-lek-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. The
patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or
a small portable box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a
tracing of each heartbeat. The ECG helps to detect the
source of the problem.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
Return to top
|
Email this page
Printer friendly
Bookmark this page
