Palpitations & Abnomal Heart Rhythms

Dr Catherine Fernando

IYASU Healthcare

East Lothian's Private GP Service

Explains when an why continuous ECG monitoring can be used to detect abnormal heart rhythms

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Many people experience moments when their heart feels like it’s beating too fast, too hard, or irregularly. These sensations are known as palpitations, and they can be caused by a range of harmless or more significant heart rhythm disturbances, known as arrhythmias. This guide explains what these symptoms can feel like, what might be causing them, and when to seek medical attention.

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What Are Palpitations?

Palpitations are the feeling of being aware of your heartbeat. They may feel like:

• A fluttering sensation in the chest

• A “skipped” or extra heartbeat

• A rapid, racing, or pounding heartbeat

• A slow or unusually strong beat

• A sensation that your heart is “flip-flopping”

These sensations can last for a few seconds or continue for much longer.

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What Are Arrhythmias?

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Your heart might beat:

• Too fast (tachycardia)

• Too slow (bradycardia)

• Irregularly (such as atrial fibrillation or ectopic beats)

Arrhythmias can be occasional or constant. Some are harmless, while others may require treatment.

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What Might You Feel With an Arrhythmia?

Symptoms vary from person to person, but you may experience:

• Palpitations or irregular heartbeats

• Feeling faint or light-headed

• Shortness of breath

• Chest discomfort or pressure

• Fatigue or a sense of weakness

• Anxiety due to the awareness of symptoms

Some people have no symptoms at all, and arrhythmias are only found during routine checks.

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When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

You should contact a healthcare professional if:

• Palpitations happen frequently or last a long time

• Symptoms occur during exercise

• You experience dizziness, fainting, or near-fainting episodes

• You have chest pain or pressure

• You have a known heart condition and notice new or worsening symptoms

• You simply feel concerned — it’s always better to check

Seek emergency medical help immediately if palpitations occur with severe chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or fainting.

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How We Can Help:

Continuous ECG Monitoring (2–14 Days)

IYASU Healthcare now offers a new continuous ECG cardiac monitoring service, which allows us to record your heart’s electrical activity for 2 to 14 days.
This type of monitoring can:

• Capture intermittent arrhythmias that may not show up during a short ECG

• Correlate your symptoms with your heart rhythm in real life

• Help diagnose conditions such as atrial fibrillation, ectopic beats, tachycardias, and bradycardias

• Provide your clinician with detailed information to guide the right treatment

The test is simple, comfortable, and allows you to go about your normal daily activities while wearing the monitor.

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Book Your Heart Health Check

If you’re experiencing palpitations, or simply want reassurance about your heart rhythm, we can help.

👉 Book an appointment with IYASU Healthcare for a comprehensive heart health check and continuous ECG cardiac monitoring.

Your heart health matters — and early assessment can make all the difference.