Palpitations

Palpitations are a feeling that your heart is beating irregularly or more strongly or faster than normal. This is a very common and usually minor disorder. Palpitations are sometimes related to smoking cigarettes, or drinking alcohol or caffeine. They may also be brought on by emotional stress or anxiety.

Instructions for care

• Avoid caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, colas), alcoholic beverages, and smoking.

• Reducing your stress or anxiety level may also reduce palpitations.

• The doctor in the Emergency Department may recommend that you see your private doctor for further testing or follow-up care soon.

Please note that it is important to:

• Call your doctor if you continue to have palpitations or if they happen more often.

• Return to the emergency room if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, dizziness or fainting spells.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.