Heart Palpitations

Does it often feel like your heart skips a beat or starts racing for no apparent reason? It's likely you've experienced heart palpitations, a sensation that can be startling and uncomfortable. While palpitations are common and frequently harmless, they can sometimes signal a deeper, underlying health issue that shouldn't be ignored. At Capitol Cardiology Associates, we can help pinpoint the cause of your heart palpitations and provide cutting-edge treatment options to ensure your heart stays healthy.

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations can feel like your heart is fluttering, pounding, or beating irregularly, often for just a few seconds or minutes. You might feel these sensations in your throat or neck as well as your chest. The causes of heart palpitations vary and can include:

Physical triggers: Overexertion, dehydration, or lack of sleep.
Medical conditions: Thyroid disease, low blood sugar, anemia, or low blood pressure.
Stimulants: Consumption of caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol; some cold and cough medications.
Emotional triggers: Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can also lead to palpitations.

In many cases, palpitations are triggered by a harmless hiccup in the heart's rhythm. However, understanding the specific cause is important, especially if they become frequent or bothersome.

When Are Heart Palpitations a Sign of a Serious Problem?

While most heart palpitations are benign, there are times when they warrant a more thorough investigation. Here are some red flags that suggest your palpitations might be a sign of a more serious heart condition:

Accompanying symptoms: Dizziness, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting.
Underlying heart conditions: People with known heart problems have a higher risk of palpitations, indicating a more serious issue.
Frequent or persistent palpitations: Especially if they occur regularly or last for a long time.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to seek medical attention. An experienced cardiologist can use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your symptoms and guide you toward the best care possible.

Treatment Options for Frequent Heart Palpitations

Treatment for heart palpitations depends largely on the underlying cause. Here’s how we might address frequent palpitations:

Lifestyle modifications: Reducing intake of stimulants, improving sleep habits, and managing stress.
Medication: Beta-blockers or other medications might be prescribed to help regulate the heart rate and rhythm.
Electrophysiology studies: These can be used to identify serious irregularities in heart rhythm.
Surgical procedures: In severe cases, procedures such as catheter ablation are considered to correct the heart’s electrical pathways.

Monitoring Heart Palpitations with Mobile Health Tools

Advancements in technology now allow us to monitor heart health more closely than ever before. Mobile health tools, such as smartwatches and heart rate monitoring apps, can provide valuable insights as well into heart behavior, helping to detect palpitations as they occur. These tools can track:

Heart rate variability
Resting heart rate
Activity levels

Are You Worried About Your Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations can cause anxiety and discomfort, but with the right assistance, they can often be effectively managed or treated. At Capitol Cardiology Associates, our team can help design the perfect treatment plan to fit your needs. Don’t let heart palpitations put your life on pause. Contact us today to learn how we can help you keep your heart beating at its best.

Other Treatments We Provide

Cardiac Preoperative Clearance

Multigated Acquisition Scan

Electrophysiology

Stress Test

Review of Exceptional Healthcare Services

Jose Mendoza

My experience with the Capitol Cardiology Associates office was outstanding. From the time I initially talked to Dr Shetty on the phone to the moment I checked out. I had a very pleasant encounter with the front desk personnel. The staff is kind, gentle and informative. Pamela was very efficient, skilled and smart. Took time to explain the procedure and broke it down in easy terms. I recommend this group with no reservations to whoever needs a cardiologist.

Bobbie Shockley

Even the office was excited busy, the staff remains super courteous and respectful. Dr. Shetty and his students were kind and efficient. Check out is a breeze. Those with disabilities were treated with great respect. I feel well cared for here at Capitol Cardiology.

Isatu Sesay

Dr Raj Shetty. I wanted to thank you so so much, my blood pressure is normal now praise God.All because of you, my physician cannot get it in control then he Reffered me to you. I thank God and you because it’s all in control now. May God continue to bless your hand , you are so patient.

Jeanette McQueen

I had an excellent experience at Capitol Cardiology Associates. From the moment I walked into the suite everyone was friendly and courteous. When I was taken in the back the Medical Assistant was very professional and made me feel comfortable. My Cardiologist, Dr. Venugopal, had an excellent bedside manner and reassured me that all was okay. The checkout receptionist was very helpful as well. She made sure I had all the documents I needed and provided a copy to my primary care physician. Well done guys!??

Kuron Rice

On my first visit to Capitol Cardiology Associates, the staff were punctual, professional & friendly. I enjoyed every aspect of the visit. The lady who checks you in has high energy & is very fun. My nurse was very nice as well. But my doctor, Dr. Foushee was attentive to symptoms & asked lots of question to find out the problem & it's source. For top notch service visit Capitol Cardiology Associates!!!

Bonnie Moreland

Everyone that I had contact with in the office were so pleasant. I feel Claire, PA listened to me about my concerns. She assured me that tests will be done and we'll figure out what's going on and that I'll be feeling better soon.

James Churchill

This was my first visit to a specialist, Dr. Venugopal. While the appointment took time to get, I was greeted promptly, the staff treated me well both coming in and leaving and the doctor is one of the finest I've encountered. Not only was he informative, his professional demeanor was complemented by a a humor that matched my own, a talent not always found in potentially serious situations. I would highly recommend!

J D McCall

Dr. Forrester is very professional, competent, thorough and caring. He is thoughtful, knowledgeable & attentive.The staff are very kind, professional & attentive as well. Overall excellent place to go.

Yvonne Martinez Vega

I have had positive experience with the staff of Capital Cardiology. They are courteous, professional and efficient. Dr. Clarence Findley is fabulous. He takes his time explaining , asking questions etc. Not something one sees now a days.

Rhonda McNair

I really was sick not knowing just how sick. My PC referred me to Dr. Clarence Fendly with only three visits two office and one hospital I am great. I thank God for him. He explained everything to me where I could understand, but he's gone now, and I am going to miss him. I feel sorry for all on this side of the earth that never had the opportunity to get his help. Where ever he's moved on to someone will be blessed. Thanks Dr. Fendley. Rhonda McNair

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