Why do hearts flutter

This is the rate at which the lower part of the heart pushes out blood to the rest of the body. It is the rate that you commonly measure when you touch the neck or wrist, or use a medical instrument or smart device. It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the precise root cause. Conditions in other parts of the body that affect the heart can also contribute to the development of AFL. Examples include:. Lifestyle factors are also thought to play a part in developing AFL.

This often involves ingesting substances that might affect the electrical systems of the heart. There are many underlying medical conditions, certain medications, and some lifestyle choices that contribute to your risk for AFL. Doctors start to consider AFL if your heartbeat at rest goes above bpm and if your ECG shows signs of atrial flutter. Your family history may be important when your doctor is trying to diagnose AFL.

A history of heart disease, anxiety, and high blood pressure can all affect your risk. You may also be referred to a cardiologist for further testing. Treatment depends on how severe your condition is and how you respond to medications. Certain medications may require a brief hospital stay while your body adjusts, such as anti-arrhythmic medications. Other medications may be used to convert the atrial flutter rhythm back to a normal sinus rhythm.

Amiodarone , propafenone , and flecainide are examples of these types of medications. Penn Heart and Vascular Blog. Has your heart ever skipped a beat? Whether it was because you were alarmed or in love, the feeling of your heart fluttering is a common one and does not usually require medical attention.

The sensation of abnormal heartbeats, also known as heart palpitations, happens to most people at some point in their lives. When the atria contract a fraction of a second earlier than they should, they rest an instant longer afterward to get back to their usual rhythm. This feels like a skipped beat and is often followed by a noticeably forceful contraction as the lower chambers ventricles clear out the extra blood they accumulated during the pause.

These premature beats are almost always benign, meaning they aren't life-threatening or the sign of a heart attack in the making. Two other heart rhythm disturbances that can cause palpitations from above are atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heartbeat caused by chaotic electrical activity in the heart's upper chambers. Supraventricular tachycardia is a faster-than-normal heart rate tachycardia means fast heart rate that begins above the heart's lower chambers.

Both of these may cause palpitations that may be brief or prolonged. Both should be evaluated by your physician. Trouble from below.

Early contractions of the ventricles can also cause palpitations. A solo premature ventricular contraction, or even a couple in a row, isn't usually a problem unless it's accompanied by fainting, shortness of breath, or other symptoms. A long run of premature ventricular contractions one after the other, though, is worrisome.

They can degenerate into the deadly cardiac chaos known as ventricular fibrillation. Other sources. Problems with the heart's timekeeper, called the pacemaker or sinus node, can cause palpitations.

So can a breakdown in the coordination between the upper and lower chambers. Scar tissue in the heart from a heart attack or other injury and valve problems such as mitral valve prolapse can also lead to palpitations.

Palpitations tend to come and go. Unfortunately, they are usually gone by the time you get to the doctor's office.

That makes pinning them down a joint effort. One of the most helpful pieces of information is your story of how your heart palpitations feel, how often they strike, and when. Try to answer some of these questions before seeing your doctor:. A physical exam can reveal telltale signs of palpitations. Your doctor may hear a murmur or other sound when listening to your heart that suggests a problem with one of the heart's valves.

Your doctor may also blood tests if he or she suspects a thyroid imbalance , anemia , or low potassium, or other problems that can cause or contribute to palpitations.

An electrocardiogram ECG is a standard tool for evaluating someone with palpitations. This recording of your heart's electrical activity shows the heart's rhythm and any overt or subtle disturbances, but only over the course of 12 seconds or so. Your doctor may want to record your heart rhythm for longer to identify the cause of the palpitations. If your palpitations come with chest pain, your doctor may want you to have an exercise stress test. Riggin EA. Allscripts EPSi.

Mayo Clinic. Phang R. Overview of atrial flutter. Related Atrial flutter. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Learn more about this top honor.