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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Faster Heartbeats Followed By Palpitations?

Lately, I have noticed that my heart pounds or beats very hard for several beats, then it is often followed by a palpitations. It begins to become noticeable when I lay on my back or lay in a recovery position. If I lay on my side, things begin to return to normal... I am a 55 yr old male... I m 6 feet tall and weigh about 200 lbs (i m probably 10 to 15 lbs heavier than I should be) I recently quit smoking 6 months ago, I only drink 1 cup of coffee per day, I don t drink alcohol and I don t take or do any drugs other than over the counter pain killers for the odds headache. I monitor my BP (which can be slightly hypertensive at times, especially towards the end of the day). What might be causing my heart to pound?
posted on Fri, 20 May 2016
Twitter Thu, 19 Mar 2020 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 24 Mar 2020 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi

Most of the time, palpitations are caused by stress and anxiety, or because you have had too much caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol. In rare cases, palpitations can also be a sign of a cardiac condition.Other diagnosis to be ruled out are hyperthyroidism ,anemia or low blood sugar.

Investigations such as ecg,chest xray and echo should be done to rule out any cardiac causes.Complete blood count and thyroid profile should be tested.

Hope that was helpful.Let me know if i can assist you further.

Regards

Dr.Saranya Ramadoss
General and Family Health Physician
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What Causes Faster Heartbeats Followed By Palpitations?

Hi Most of the time, palpitations are caused by stress and anxiety, or because you have had too much caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol. In rare cases, palpitations can also be a sign of a cardiac condition.Other diagnosis to be ruled out are hyperthyroidism ,anemia or low blood sugar. Investigations such as ecg,chest xray and echo should be done to rule out any cardiac causes.Complete blood count and thyroid profile should be tested. Hope that was helpful.Let me know if i can assist you further. Regards Dr.Saranya Ramadoss General and Family Health Physician