Palpitations and irregular heartbeat assessment
Urgent help
If palpitations come with chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or feeling very unwell, call 999. Do not wait for a reply to this appointment form.
Introduction
Palpitations are heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable. Your heart may feel as if it is pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly. They are often harmless, but they can sometimes be a sign of a heart rhythm problem. A cardiology consultation can help work out the likely cause and whether further tests are needed. This routine appointment pathway is not an emergency service.
What an assessment may involve
The consultation is a chance to describe what you feel, how often it happens, how long it lasts and what seems to bring it on, together with your medical history, medicines and any previous results. If a smartwatch or home device has recorded your heart rate or rhythm during an episode, bring the readings.
Possible investigations
Tests are chosen according to the assessment. A resting ECG (heart tracing) can be carried out at all three clinics. If palpitations come and go, a longer recording over one or more days (ambulatory ECG or Holter monitoring) may be suggested, and an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) may be recommended to look at the structure of the heart. These are carried out at Cobham Clinic in Luton and arranged at another venue for patients seen in London.
Irregular heartbeat and heart rhythm problems
If an irregular heartbeat or another rhythm problem is found, or has already been diagnosed, the consultation can be used to discuss the findings and the options for treatment and follow up. Treatment decisions depend on the individual clinical situation.
Consultation locations and next steps
Consultations for palpitations are available at Harley Street Specialist Hospital, Harley Fitzrovia Health in Woodford and Cobham Clinic in Luton. Check the clinic information and contact the team to confirm the appropriate appointment arrangements. For urgent or worsening symptoms, seek medical help rather than waiting for a routine appointment response.