Palpitations Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment on MedicineNet.com

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Palpitations (cont.)

Palpitations can occur without heart disease or as a result of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
The SA node is the pacemaker of the heart.
Slow heart rhythms are called bradycardias. Rapid heart rhythms are called tachycardias.
The average normal heart beats at a rate of 60 to 100 times per minute.
Some patients with arrhythmias have no symptoms while others can have symptoms, such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Arrhythmias can occur because of disease of heart muscle, valves, electrical system, or arteries to the heart (coronary arteries).
Palpitations can be evaluated with testing, such as blood tests, echocardiogram, EKG, Holter monitor, treadmill testing, and tests of the coronary arteries.
Palpitations can be relieved in many patients by stress reduction, quitting smoking, and reduction of caffeine and alcohol.
Some patients have palpitations associated with abnormal heartbeats that can require medications.

Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2008

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