Palpitation Treatments

Digoxin might be used to slow and regulate the heartbeat.

If the risk of blood clots is high, e,g if the heart has been damaged by Rheumatic Fever or continuous fibrillation an anticoagulant such as Warfarin might be given under close supervision.

Defibrillation (Cardioversion) in which a small electric shock is administered to the heart under a light anaesthetic, might be used to restore the normal heartbeat.

Catheter Ablation

If none of these treatments works catheter ablation therapy can be used or a pacemaker fitted. In catheter ablation is usually painless and is carried out under sedation and a local anaesthetic. The site of the abnormal arrhythmia is found and a radio frequency is used to destroy the affected areas which are causing the abnormal heart rhythm.

In 90% of cases catheter ablation therapy is successful at the first attempt.

Most palpuitations are harmless

To sum up, generally speaking most palpitations are harmless and just arise from an unusual awareness of one's heartbeat. The sufferer needs quiet and calm reassurance and some quiet distraction from their heartbeat. In these cases avoid caffeine, alcohol and some "trigger" foods and situations.

If palpitations give serious concern, medical help should be sought in order for anti-arrhythmic drugs to be taken. A Cardiac Specialist's help might be needed to conduct specialised tests and to prescribe the best drugs for each condition.

If drugs do not work there are a number of very effective electric treatments for palpitations.