Heart palpitations often manifest as a sensation of the heart pounding, fluttering, or skipping a beat. These feelings can range from a brief, mild awareness of your heartbeat to a more noticeable, unsettling sensation in the chest or neck. Many people experience palpitations, and the Electrocardiogram (EKG) is a common tool used to examine the heart’s electrical patterns.
Understanding Heart Palpitations
Palpitations can be felt in the chest, throat, or neck, and their duration varies from a few seconds to several minutes. Common non-serious triggers include stress, anxiety, vigorous physical activity, and consuming stimulants like caffeine or nicotine. Certain over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements can also induce these sensations.
How an EKG Works
An Electrocardiogram, commonly referred to as an EKG or ECG, is a non-invasive medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. During the procedure, small adhesive patches called electrodes are placed on the skin of the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect the tiny electrical signals generated by the heart as it contracts and relaxes. The EKG machine then translates these electrical impulses into a waveform displayed on a screen or printed on paper, providing a visual representation of the heart’s rate and rhythm.
EKG’s Role in Detecting Palpitations
An EKG can detect heart palpitations if an abnormal heart rhythm occurs during the test. The EKG tracing provides immediate information about the heart’s electrical impulses, allowing healthcare professionals to identify various types of arrhythmias. For example, it can show if palpitations are due to premature beats originating from the atria or ventricles, or if they are part of a sustained rapid heart rate like supraventricular tachycardia. The test reveals any irregularities present during the recorded period.
When an EKG Might Not Capture Palpitations
Despite its utility, a standard EKG has limitations in capturing intermittent heart palpitations. Since a typical EKG recording lasts only a few minutes, it might miss the brief, sporadic nature of many palpitations. If the heart rhythm is normal during the short time the EKG is being recorded, the test will not show any abnormalities, even if palpitations occur frequently at other times. Therefore, a normal EKG result does not definitively rule out an underlying issue if symptoms persist or are concerning.
Other Diagnostic Tools for Palpitations
When standard EKGs do not capture intermittent palpitations, healthcare providers often recommend other diagnostic tools that offer longer monitoring periods. A Holter monitor is a portable EKG device worn for 24 to 48 hours, or sometimes up to 14 days, continuously recording the heart’s electrical activity. This extended monitoring significantly increases the chance of capturing infrequent palpitations. Event recorders are another option; these devices are worn for weeks or even months and are activated by the patient when they experience symptoms, saving the heart rhythm just before, during, and after the event.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention if palpitations are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Consulting a healthcare professional is also advisable if palpitations occur frequently, are severe, or cause significant anxiety, even without additional symptoms. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose the cause of palpitations and determine if they are harmless or indicative of a more serious underlying heart condition.