What Causes Heart Palpitations?

Posted on Wed, 14 Jan 2015

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

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 Answered on

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm a 39 year old female I'm having rapid heartbeats and some palpitations. I'm so scared that something horrible might be wrong. Every time an episode starts I have a hot flash. I saw a doctor today and had blood drawn and they are fitting me with a Holter monitor, but I'm just very concerned. My heart is still racing and at times flutters. Should I go ahead and just go to the ER?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
My advice is to go on ER...

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

As long as you feel palpitations with your heart flutering you should go to ER for an emergency evaluation.

If everything is ok than you should continue with your cardiologist.

If you were my patient I would suggest the following examinations to find out the cause of your concerns:
- Cardiac echo
- Holter monitoring
- Blood work
- Thyroid hormones
- stress test

Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wish you health!
Dr.Benard

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