Palpitations — which specialty
A sense of the heart pounding, racing, lurching or skipping.
Usually seen by
Cardiology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Endocrinology — with weight loss, tremor or heat intolerance
- Psychiatry — if it comes in episodes with intense fear
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Palpitations with fainting or nearly fainting
- Palpitations with chest pain or breathlessness
- An episode that lasts and will not settle
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- Whether it starts and stops abruptly or builds and fades
- How long an episode lasts, and how many a month
- Whether exertion, coffee, alcohol or lack of sleep are involved
- Whether there is light-headedness or sweating with it
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- Any rhythm recording from a watch or phone — genuinely useful
- An episode diary: date, time, what you were doing, how long it lasted
What a first visit usually involves
- An ECG
- Possibly a 24-hour or longer recorder to capture an episode
- Thyroid and basic blood tests