Heart Palpitations: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis - Cardiology

More Info

---

Heart palpitations can be a concerning symptom, and understanding their causes, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches is essential for effective management. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced intermittent chest pain or a sharp, electric-like sensation for about a year and a half. You have also undergone various tests, including an endoscopy and a chest CT scan, which did not reveal any gastrointestinal or thoracic issues.

Causes of Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations can arise from a variety of causes, including:
1. Arrhythmias: These are irregular heartbeats, such as premature atrial contractions (PACs) or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), which can lead to sensations of skipped beats or fluttering.

2. Anxiety and Stress: Emotional factors can significantly impact heart rhythm, leading to palpitations.

3. Caffeine and Stimulants: Excessive intake of caffeine, nicotine, or certain medications can provoke palpitations.

4. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during menstruation or menopause, can lead to palpitations.

5. Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium can affect heart function.

6. Underlying Heart Conditions: Structural heart issues or ischemic heart disease can also manifest as palpitations.


Symptoms and Diagnosis
Palpitations are often described as a racing heart, fluttering, or a feeling of skipped beats. In your case, the sharp, electric-like pain may be associated with the heart's electrical activity, particularly if you are experiencing premature beats.
To diagnose the cause of your palpitations, a healthcare provider may recommend:
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart and can help identify arrhythmias.

2. Holter Monitor: A 24-hour Holter monitor can capture your heart's rhythm over an extended period, which is useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias.

3. Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test evaluates the heart's structure and function, helping to rule out any underlying heart disease.

4. Stress Testing: This can assess how your heart performs under physical stress and may reveal issues not apparent at rest.


Understanding Your Symptoms
Regarding your concern about whether your symptoms could be due to "premature beats," it is indeed possible. PACs and PVCs can cause sensations of palpitations or discomfort in the chest. However, the sharp, electric-like pain you describe is less typical for these conditions and may warrant further investigation.


Next Steps
Given your previous health checks, including an ECG that indicated a left axis deviation and a normal echocardiogram, it would be prudent to follow up with your cardiologist. Here are some recommendations:
1. Discuss Your Symptoms: Clearly communicate the nature of your symptoms, including the frequency and triggers, to your healthcare provider.

2. Consider a Holter Monitor: If you haven't had one recently, this could provide valuable information about your heart's rhythm during your symptoms.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing caffeine intake, managing stress, and ensuring adequate hydration may help alleviate symptoms.

4. Regular Follow-ups: Continue regular check-ups with your cardiologist to monitor your heart health and any changes in your symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to benign causes such as premature beats, it is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to rule out any significant underlying conditions. Regular monitoring and appropriate diagnostic testing will help ensure your heart health is managed effectively.