How will my doctor find out what is causing my palpitations?
Your doctor will examine you and ask you about any medicines you are taking, your diet and if you have panic attacks. Your doctor may want you to have a resting electrocardiogram test. This test keeps track of your heartbeat over a certain amount of time. Your doctor also may test your blood.
If these tests do not show what is causing your palpitations, your doctor may have you wear a heart monitor for 1 to 14 days. This monitor will show any breaks in your heart's rhythm. Your doctor might refer you to a cardiologist (a heart doctor) for more tests or treatment.
What can I do to help prevent palpitations?
Do not use illegal street drugs, such as cocaine.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
Tell your doctor what medicines and herbal supplements you take, how much alcohol you drink, and if you use anything else that might cause palpitations.
Keep track of your palpitations. Write down the time that they happen and what you were doing when they began. Give this information to your docto
