What Could Cause Intermittent Heart Palpitations In A 69-year-old Woman?

Posted on Sun, 15 Apr 2018

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

Sun, 15 Apr 2018 Answered on

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Thank you. My wife who is in generally good health has a racing heart rate from time to time. Today as she was resting it shot up to 161 as measured by an Omron cuff. She is 69. What should we do, as this is not frequent, bot scary?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible cardiac arrhythmia

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir

I can certainly understand your concern and have worked through your attached query in detail.

Considering her symptoms, the possibility of a cardiac arrhythmia is very high.

It's advisable to get a baseline ECG and if required 24 Holter continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring after consulting a Cardiologist.

Further management if any is largely based on test results.

Post your further queries if any
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (16 hours later)

Thank You. What danger does this pose? stroke, heart attack?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Only dangerous type of arrythmias pose such a risk

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ma'am

I can certainly understand your concern

Only malignant or dangerous cardiac arrhythmias pose such risk of stroke, or a heart attack.

Majority of arrythmias are benign in nature and are easily treatable.

Further management if any is largely based on test results

Post your further queries if any
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana