Palpitations: Should I be worried?

Written in association with: Dr Kaushik Guha
Published:
Edited by: Conor Dunworth

Dr Kaushik Guha, a respected consultant cardiologist, provides comprehensive insights into palpitations in his latest online article. Exploring the causes, types, and available treatment options, Dr Guha expertly covers all essential aspects of this cardiac concern.

 

What do palpitations signify?

Palpitations may indicate various cardiac conditions. They represent an awareness of the heartbeat, often described as skipping, fluttering, or missing a beat. While they could stem from heart-related issues such as pumping irregularities, heart failure, valve problems, or electrical disturbances, they might also signal non-cardiac problems like an overactive thyroid or anaemia. This diverse range of potential causes underscores the importance of specialist assessment and investigation.

 

When should one be concerned and seek medical attention?

The gravity of palpitations is heightened if they lead to fainting or loss of consciousness, necessitating immediate medical attention and a consultation with a cardiologist. Additionally, symptoms such as worsening shortness of breath, leg swelling, increased night-time breathlessness, recurring dizziness, or blackouts amplify the need for specialised assessment and investigation.

 

Are there different types of palpitations, and how do they differ?

Palpitations can be classified into benign and complex types. Benign palpitations might involve minor electrical irregularities, like extra heartbeats. Complex palpitations, however, indicate more severe heart issues, such as poor pumping function, serious rhythm disorders, or valve problems, either singularly or in combination.

 

What are the main causes of palpitations?

Palpitations can be triggered by various factors, including lifestyle elements like stress, and excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption. They can also be triggered by conditions such as thyroid disorders, anaemia, and different forms of cardiac disease.

 

How are palpitations treated?

Treatment approaches in cardiology are tailored to address the specific cause of the palpitations. This may involve specialised medications, procedures, or a combination of both, depending on the association and severity of the palpitations.

 

 

Dr Kaushik Guha, a prominent consultant cardiologist based in Portsmouth, offers consultations. To book an appointment, visit his Top Doctors profile today.

By Dr Kaushik Guha
Cardiology

Dr Kaushik Guha is an esteemed consultant cardiologist who specialises in all aspects of general cardiology but has particular expertise within the field of heart failure, cardiomyopathies, valve disease and within which he implants pacemakers, implantable cardioverting defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy. He currently practises at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Hampshire.

Dr Guha, who is the current acute heart failure clinical lead and local cardiac sarcoidosis lead within Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, also specialises in dizziness, chest pain, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, as well as heart failure, amongst many other heart-related conditions. He impressively achieved honours in medicine and surgery at the esteemed St George's, University of London in 2004, and shortly after successfully completed his junior medical training throughout London and the South East of England.

He gained an extensive amount of experience in relation to acute and chronic cardiac pathology whilst undertaking his registrar training at established hospitals such as Royal Sussex County Hospital and St George's University of London. Dr Guha, who has, to-date, published a substantial amount of peer-reviewed scientific papers and book chapters, undertook his specialist medical training at both the Royal Brompton Hospital and the Harefield Foundation Trust. His main research interests include cardiac resynchronisation therapy, heart failure and remote monitoring in the field of heart failure.

Last month, Dr Guha and his heart failure team at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust were presented with one of the Pumping Marvellous Foundation national awards for their commitment to clinical excellence in cardiology care.

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