Palpitations, skipped beats or an irregular pulse can be unsettling. Some rhythm changes are benign; others need investigation. A cardiology review helps decide whether monitoring or treatment is required.
When to seek review
- Awareness of a racing, fluttering or irregular heartbeat
- Palpitations with dizziness, chest discomfort or fainting
- An irregular pulse found during a check-up
- Family history of rhythm disorders, if known
How evaluation usually proceeds
- Symptom history and pulse/ECG assessment
- Further rhythm monitoring if clinically indicated
- Review of thyroid, medicines and other contributing factors
Management
Management depends on the type of rhythm finding. Advice, medicines or further specialist tests may be recommended after evaluation.
Sudden severe chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms of a possible heart attack require immediate emergency medical attention. Please call local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. This website does not provide emergency care.