Palpitations
Also known as: Racing heart, Heart fluttering, Skipped beats, Heart pounding, Missed heartbeats
Expert diagnosis and management at Complete Heart Centre. All consultations and diagnostic tests are 100% bulk billed through Medicare. All cardiology referrals accepted.
About Palpitations
Palpitations are the sensation of your heart beating too fast, too hard, or irregularly. You may feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, pounding, or skipping beats. While palpitations are often harmless and caused by stress, caffeine, or exercise, they can sometimes indicate an underlying heart rhythm problem (arrhythmia) that needs investigation. Common arrhythmias that cause palpitations include atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and ectopic beats. A cardiologist can determine whether your palpitations are benign or require treatment through continuous heart rhythm monitoring.
Common Symptoms
- Feeling your heart racing or pounding
- Sensation of skipped or missed heartbeats
- Fluttering feeling in the chest or throat
- Heart beating irregularly or erratically
- Episodes lasting seconds, minutes, or longer
- Palpitations that worsen at night or when lying down
When to See a Cardiologist
If palpitations are frequent, prolonged, accompanied by dizziness, fainting, or chest pain, or if they affect your daily life, your GP should refer you to a cardiologist for further investigation. Palpitations that occur during exercise or cause you to feel faint require prompt assessment.
How We Investigate
A 24 Hour Holter Monitor is the primary test for investigating palpitations. This portable device records every heartbeat over a full day during your normal activities, capturing intermittent rhythm problems that may not occur during a brief clinic visit. Dr Grewal may also recommend an echocardiogram to check the heart structure and rule out underlying causes.
$0
Your cost with Medicare
Related Diagnostic Services
Need Urgent Help?
If you are experiencing sudden or severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, call 000 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about palpitations.
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All consultations and diagnostic tests are 100% bulk billed through Medicare.
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Concerned About Palpitations?
With a Medicare card and GP referral, your specialist consultation and all diagnostic tests are fully bulk billed. Book at our Sydenham, Bundoora or Williams Landing clinic.