Can Heart Palpitations Be Fatal?

Posted on Wed, 16 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 Answered on

Thu, 7 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi coulod ryhthm turn deadly

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Heart rhythm is very important to mantain human health and to secure proper cardiac function.

However, it may turn deadly in a few occasions due to electrolyte imbalance or heart disease.

This is why it's essential to do the following examinations to find out any problems that may be the cause of rhythm disorders:
- Blood work including thyroid hormones and electrolytes.
- Ecg
- Cardiac echo
- Holter monitoring
- Stress test

If all these tests will be normal than you shouldn't worry about your rhythm.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (5 minutes later)

Did you look at ecg?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Of course I looked at your ecg and I see re-polarization abnormalies which may be related to electrolyte imbalances or most probably to ischemic heart disease.

However, an abnormal ecg doesn't necessary mean that you have a medical problem. Other examinations (like those recommended above) are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar