Heart palpitations

As part of your physical exam, your doctor will check your temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure. He or she will also pay special attention to your heart and lungs.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• EKG
• Ambulatory cardiac monitoring (for example, a Holter monitor is used for 24 hours; other monitors may be worn for two weeks or longer)
• Echocardiogram
• Electrophysiology study (EPS)
• Coronary angiography

Try to reduce stress and risk factors for heart disease:

• Don't smoke.
• Eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Try stress management techniques like yoga, tai chi, or meditation.
• Make sure that your blood pressure and cholesterol are under control.

Mayou R, Sprigings D, Birkhead J et al. Characteristics of patients presenting to a cardiac clinic with palpitation. QJM. 2003; 96(2):115-123.

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