Cardiology · Naas, Co. Kildare
Palpitations & Heart Rhythm Disorders
Private specialist evaluation of palpitations, atrial fibrillation, ectopic beats and other arrhythmias. Holter monitoring and consultant-led review.
Cardiology · Naas, Co. Kildare
Private specialist evaluation of palpitations, atrial fibrillation, ectopic beats and other arrhythmias. Holter monitoring and consultant-led review.
Overview
Palpitations are the subjective awareness of the heartbeat — often described as fluttering, pounding, racing, or skipping sensations in the chest, throat or neck. They are extremely common and, in most cases, have a benign cause. However, in some individuals they may indicate an underlying heart rhythm disorder that requires investigation and management.
The pattern of palpitations provides important diagnostic clues. Isolated brief flutters that resolve quickly are often due to benign ectopic beats. Sustained episodes of rapid, irregular pounding — especially those associated with dizziness, near-syncope, breathlessness or chest pain — warrant prompt cardiac evaluation.
Accurate characterisation of palpitations requires a detailed history, a resting ECG and, frequently, ambulatory heart rhythm monitoring. The challenge is that symptoms may not be present at the time of the consultation, making outpatient monitoring devices invaluable.
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. In a medical emergency, call 999 or 112.
Seek emergency care if palpitations are associated with: loss of consciousness, near-blackout, severe breathlessness, chest pain or pressure, or if you have a known structural heart condition. Call 999 or attend an Emergency Department immediately.
Ectopic beats (atrial or ventricular), caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, anxiety, thyroid dysfunction, anaemia and certain medications are frequent triggers.
Rapid regular or irregular palpitations lasting minutes or more, associated presyncope, post-exercise onset, or palpitations in someone with known structural heart disease need full evaluation.
Heart Rhythm Disorders
Many different rhythm disorders can cause palpitations. Dr Kalyar has expertise in the assessment and management of a broad range of arrhythmias and will guide you through the appropriate diagnostic pathway.
The most common sustained arrhythmia. AF causes an irregular, often fast heartbeat and carries an increased risk of stroke. Management focuses on rate or rhythm control and, where appropriate, anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk.
Episodes of rapid regular palpitations that start and stop suddenly. Often distressing but usually not life-threatening. Various subtypes exist; electrophysiology referral may be appropriate for recurrent or severe episodes.
Premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are very common causes of the "skipped beat" sensation. Usually benign, though high-burden PVCs warrant further assessment.
A rapid, organised atrial rhythm typically at 150 beats per minute. Often paroxysmal; shares some management principles with atrial fibrillation including consideration of anticoagulation and rhythm control.
Investigation & Management
Capturing the rhythm at the time of symptoms is the gold standard for arrhythmia diagnosis. Dr Kalyar will take a detailed history and examination and then select the most appropriate monitoring strategy for your symptom frequency and severity.
The first investigation for all patients with palpitations. May reveal a pre-existing arrhythmia, delta waves (Wolff-Parkinson-White), prolonged QT or evidence of structural disease.
A wearable device recording the heart rhythm continuously for 24 to 72 hours. Invaluable for capturing frequent or daily symptoms and quantifying ectopic burden.
Cardiac ultrasound to assess heart structure and function. Helps identify structural abnormalities such as valve disease or cardiomyopathy that may underlie a rhythm disorder.
Thyroid function, full blood count, electrolytes and renal function are checked to identify systemic causes of arrhythmia that require treatment in their own right.
Once a diagnosis is established, Dr Kalyar will discuss management options. For AF this includes rate control, rhythm control strategies and the role of anticoagulation in reducing stroke risk.
Where electrophysiology study, ablation or device therapy is indicated, Dr Kalyar will coordinate timely referral to an appropriate tertiary centre.
Common Questions
Consultant-led palpitations and arrhythmia assessment with Dr Imtiaz Ali Kalyar. Sunday clinics available. Naas, Co. Kildare.
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