Preparing for an appointment

If you have heart palpitations with severe shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting, seek emergency medical attention. If your palpitations are brief and there are no other worrisome signs or symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor can help you find out if your palpitations are harmless or a symptom of a more serious heart condition.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment:

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet or fast.

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to heart palpitations, and when they began
• Key personal information, including family history of heart disease, arrhythmias, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes, as well as major stresses or recent changes in your life
• All medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For heart palpitations, basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
• What are other possible causes?
• What should I do if my symptoms return?
• What tests will I need?
• Do I need treatment and, if so, what?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Do you have brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• Do your palpitations start and stop suddenly?
• Does it seem like your palpitations have a pattern, such as occurring the same time every day or during a certain activity?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Are you having other symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or dizziness when you have palpitations?
• Have you ever had heart rhythm problems before, such as atrial fibrillation?

What you can do in the meantime

Before your appointment, you can try to improve your symptoms by avoiding activities or stresses that might cause your palpitations. Some common triggers include:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Too much caffeine or alcohol
• Use of medications or supplements that contain stimulants, such as energy drinks or some cold medicines