Are heart palpitations a cause for concern?
Heart palpitations are usually benign but can occasionally signal a more serious heart rhythm problem. In this video, Dr Ravi Assomull explains when palpitations are harmless and when symptoms such as breathlessness or dizziness require further investigation.
Learn more about Palpitations or book a consultation with Dr Assomull – no GP referral needed, appointments typically within one working day.
Transcript
In the vast majority of cases, palpitations tend not to be a cause for concern. That's because they tend to be transient and are often underpinned by benign arrhythmias such as ectopic beats. However, in a minority of cases where perhaps the palpitations persist or are associated with other symptoms such as dizziness or breathlessness, it's important to look further because there may be more sinister causes such as atrial fibrillation, which is important to diagnose because this arrhythmia is associated with an increased risk of stroke.
