Palpitations Treatment in Newark, Wilmington & Middletown, DE

Find the Cause of Irregular Heart Sensations with Trusted Cardiac Care

Palpitations are sensations that feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, skipping beats, or pounding unusually hard. While they can be alarming, most palpitations are not dangerous. However, in some cases, they can be a sign of an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention.

At Heart & Vascular Clinic, our board-certified cardiologists use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate the cause of your palpitations and provide peace of mind—or prompt treatment if needed.

What Are Palpitations?

Palpitations are abnormal or heightened sensations of your heartbeat. Patients often describe them as:

  • Fluttering
  • Racing
  • Skipping beats
  • Flip-flopping in the chest
  • Pounding in the neck or chest

These symptoms may last only seconds or persist for minutes, and they may occur at rest or during activity.

What Causes Palpitations?

Most palpitations are not related to heart disease and may be triggered by:

  • Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Fever or dehydration
  • Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause, thyroid issues)
  • Medications (especially stimulants, decongestants, and asthma inhalers)
  • Substances such as:
    • Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
    • Caffeine
    • Nicotine
    • Alcohol
    • Cocaine or amphetamines
    • Pseudoephedrine (cold medicine)

When Are Palpitations a Concern?

In some cases, palpitations can be a symptom of:

  • Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation or tachycardia)
  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Structural heart disease

Seek immediate medical attention if your palpitations are accompanied by:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Severe fatigue

How Are Palpitations Diagnosed?

At Heart & Vascular Clinic, we begin with a thorough medical history, symptom review, and physical exam. Depending on your case, we may perform or recommend:

  • Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG): Records electrical signals in your heart
  • Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to assess your heart’s structure and function
  • Holter Monitor: A portable ECG worn for 24–48 hours to capture irregular activity
  • Stress Testing: Monitors heart rhythm during physical exertion
  • Ambulatory Patch Monitors: Comfortable long-term wearables that record heart rhythms over days or weeks for hard-to-capture symptoms

We may also evaluate thyroid function or check medication and stimulant use if no cardiac cause is identified.

Personalized Heart Monitoring Solutions

For patients with intermittent palpitations, we offer modern ambulatory ECG monitors that are compact, lightweight, and designed for extended use—ensuring accurate diagnosis without disrupting your daily routine.

Get Clarity on Your Heart Health

If you’re concerned about palpitations—whether frequent or occasional—our team is here to help. At Heart & Vascular Clinic, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you feel informed, safe, and in control.

Call (302) 338-9444 to schedule an appointment in Newark, Wilmington, or Middletown, DE.

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