Feeling Your Heart Racing or Skipping Beats? Understanding Heart Palpitations

• Heart palpitations feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping a beat.

• Common causes include stress, caffeine, dehydration, anemia, or thyroid problems — but sometimes they indicate heart disease or arrhythmia.

• Evaluation by a cardiologist can help identify whether your palpitations are harmless or a sign of a serious rhythm disorder.

• Dr. Sunny Malhotra provides expert diagnostic testing and treatment for palpitations in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton.

• A quick cardiology check can bring reassurance and help protect your long-term heart health.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Have you ever felt your heart suddenly flutter, skip, or pound for no reason? These sensations — known as heart palpitations — are surprisingly common and can happen at rest, during activity, or even while you’re trying to sleep.

For most people, palpitations are harmless and short-lived. However, if they occur frequently or are accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or fainting, they could be a sign of an underlying heart rhythm problem that needs medical attention.

For patients across Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton, Dr. Sunny Malhotra provides advanced evaluation and treatment to determine whether your palpitations are benign or related to an arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or ventricular ectopy.

Common Causes of Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations can be triggered by a wide range of factors — some simple and others more serious. Understanding what might cause them helps you know when to seek care.

💓 1. Lifestyle-Related Triggers

• Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress releases adrenaline, which makes your heart beat faster.

• Caffeine or nicotine: Too much coffee, energy drinks, or smoking can overstimulate your heart.

• Dehydration or lack of sleep: Both can cause the heart to beat irregularly or faster than normal.

• Alcohol or recreational drugs: Certain substances can directly trigger palpitations or disrupt your heart rhythm.

🩺 2. Medical Conditions

• Anemia: Low red blood cell counts cause the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen.

• Thyroid imbalance: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can speed up your heart rate.

• Electrolyte imbalances: Low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels affect your heart’s electrical system.

• Heart disease or arrhythmia: Conditions such as atrial fibrillation, premature beats, or supraventricular tachycardia may present as palpitations.

💊 3. Medications and Hormonal Factors

• Certain asthma inhalers, decongestants, or thyroid medications can cause your heart to race.

• Women may notice palpitations around menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause due to hormonal fluctuations.

When to See a Cardiologist in Brampton, Mississauga, or Milton

While occasional palpitations can be harmless, you should see a cardiologist if you experience:

• Palpitations that occur daily or last for several minutes

• Dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath

• Chest discomfort, fatigue, or sweating

• Palpitations that wake you up at night or occur without a clear trigger

Dr. Sunny Malhotra evaluates palpitations with a detailed assessment that may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records your heart’s electrical activity.

• Holter or event monitoring: Tracks your rhythm over 24–48 hours or longer.

• Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to assess your heart’s structure and function.

• Blood tests: Check for thyroid issues, anemia, or electrolyte problems.

By analyzing your results, Dr. Malhotra determines whether your palpitations are benign or related to an arrhythmia that needs treatment.

Understanding Arrhythmias: When Palpitations Signal Something Serious

Sometimes, palpitations are your body’s early warning system.
If your heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly, it could indicate an arrhythmia — a disruption in the electrical signals that coordinate your heartbeat.

Common arrhythmias include:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib): An irregular rhythm that increases the risk of stroke.

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): A rapid heartbeat that starts above the ventricles.

• Ventricular tachycardia: A fast, potentially dangerous rhythm originating in the heart’s lower chambers.

Detecting these early allows for preventive measures — such as medication, ablation, or device therapy — to restore normal rhythm and prevent complications.

The Importance of Early Evaluation

Ignoring heart palpitations can delay diagnosis of treatable conditions.
Early evaluation ensures that:

• Dangerous arrhythmias are detected and treated promptly.

• Underlying issues like thyroid disorders or anemia are corrected.

• Lifestyle triggers are identified and addressed.

• You gain peace of mind knowing your heart is healthy.

In Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton, patients trust Dr. Sunny Malhotra for his patient-centered approach and expertise in diagnosing and managing complex rhythm disorders.

What to Expect at Your Visit with Dr. Malhotra

Your consultation is designed to identify the root cause of your symptoms. Expect:

1. Comprehensive history and symptom discussion — when palpitations occur, what they feel like, and possible triggers.

2. Cardiac evaluation — including ECG, echocardiogram, or rhythm monitoring as needed.

3. Personalized treatment plan — which may involve medication adjustments, stress management, or procedural interventions.

Dr. Malhotra believes in empowering patients with clear explanations and individualized care.

🫀 Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Your Heart’s Signals

Palpitations may seem minor, but they can reveal important information about your heart health. Whether they stem from lifestyle factors, stress, or a hidden rhythm problem, professional evaluation is the safest approach.

Dr. Sunny Malhotra, cardiologist in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton, provides expert diagnosis and care for all types of heart rhythm concerns — helping patients regain confidence and peace of mind.

If you’re noticing frequent heart fluttering or racing, book your consultation today and take control of your heart health.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are heart palpitations dangerous?
   Not always — most are harmless. But if they occur often or come with dizziness, fainting, or chest pain, they could signal an arrhythmia that requires evaluation.
2. Can caffeine cause palpitations?
   Yes. Coffee, tea, and energy drinks can overstimulate your heart, especially if consumed in large amounts.
3. What tests are done to diagnose palpitations?
   Common tests include ECG, Holter monitor, echocardiogram, and blood work to check thyroid and electrolyte levels.
4. Can stress and anxiety cause heart fluttering?
   Absolutely. Stress hormones increase your heart rate and can cause the sensation of skipped or pounding beats.
5. When should I see Dr. Sunny Malhotra?
   If you live in Brampton, Mississauga, or Milton and experience frequent or unexplained palpitations, irregular heartbeats, or associated symptoms, it’s time to schedule a cardiology visit.