palpitations day of procedure tips

Overview

Palpitations feel like your heart is pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly. They can be unsettling but often are not serious. If you are having a procedure to check or treat your heart rhythm, these tips help you prepare for the day.

Yes, many people experience palpitations at some point in their lives.

Palpitations can affect people of any age, but they are more common in those with anxiety, stress, high caffeine intake, or underlying heart conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Heart racing or pounding
• Fluttering feeling in the chest
• Skipped or extra heartbeats
• Pounding sensation in the neck

Symptoms in children

• Children may say their heart is ‘racing’ or ‘jumping’.
• They might seem unusually tired, anxious, or complain of chest discomfort.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may feel lightheaded or dizzy along with palpitations.
• They might have less noticeable symptoms but feel weak or short of breath.

Causes

Main causes

• Stress or anxiety
• Caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine
• Hormonal changes (like pregnancy or menopause)
• Certain medications (such as decongestants or asthma inhalers)
• Underlying heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia

Risk factors

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Anxiety disorders
• Excessive caffeine or alcohol use
• Sleep deprivation or poor sleep

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have chest pain, fainting, or severe dizziness along with palpitations
• If palpitations last for a long time or keep coming back

Book a routine appointment if:

• If palpitations happen often and bother you
• To discuss whether a procedure like an ablation or cardioversion might help

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and listen to your heart. They may order one or more tests to record your heart’s electrical activity.

Tests that may be done

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a quick, painless recording of your heart’s rhythm taken at the doctor’s office.
• Holter monitor – a portable device you wear for 24 to 48 hours that records your heart rhythm as you go about your day.
• Event recorder – you press a button when you feel palpitations to capture a short recording of your heart rhythm.

What to expect at your appointment

These tests are painless and you do not need to change your normal activities. Your doctor will explain how to use any monitoring device.

Treatment

Treatment for palpitations depends on the cause. If they are harmless, you may not need treatment. For heart rhythm problems, doctors may suggest lifestyle changes, medications, or a procedure like catheter ablation to correct the rhythm.

Self-care at home

• Reduce stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
• Stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
• On the day of your procedure, follow your doctor’s instructions about eating, drinking, and taking or stopping any medications.

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medicines to control your heart rate or rhythm. They may recommend a procedure called catheter ablation, which uses energy to correct faulty electrical signals in the heart. Another procedure is cardioversion, which delivers a mild electric shock to reset your heart rhythm. Your doctor will discuss the best option for you and give you specific instructions for the day of your procedure.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for palpitations. If other treatments do not work and you have a serious rhythm problem, you might need a pacemaker or other implanted device. Your doctor will explain all options.

Living with this condition

On the day of your procedure, arrive early, bring a list of all your medications, and wear comfortable clothes. Follow any fasting instructions you are given. Tell your care team about all your symptoms, even if they seem minor. After the procedure, rest as advised and watch for any unusual symptoms like bleeding at the procedure site or a return of palpitations. Most people recover quickly and can return to normal activities within a few days.

Lifestyle tips

• Manage stress through deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise.
• Limit stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
• Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
• Keep a diary of your palpitations – note when they happen and what you were doing – to discuss with your doctor.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid heavy or spicy meals that can trigger palpitations. Exercise moderately, like walking or swimming, but check with your doctor before starting a new routine, especially if you have a heart condition or are about to have a procedure.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Palpitations can cause anxiety, and anxiety can make palpitations worse. It is normal to feel worried. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your healthcare provider or a counselor. If you are in crisis, call your local emergency number or mental health helpline.

Prevention

You can reduce your chance of palpitations by avoiding triggers like excess caffeine, alcohol, and stress. Getting enough sleep and staying hydrated also help. However, some causes (such as certain heart problems) cannot be prevented.

Complications

If left untreated

• In rare cases, frequent palpitations can lead to a more serious heart rhythm problem.
• If palpitations are due to atrial fibrillation and left untreated, they can increase the risk of stroke.

Long-term outlook

Most palpitations are not dangerous and go away on their own. With proper treatment, even serious rhythm problems can be managed. Most people with palpitations lead full, active, and healthy lives.

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