Heart palpitations are one of the most common reasons patients seek cardiac care, yet they remain widely misunderstood. Whether you notice a fluttering sensation in your chest, a brief pounding, or the feeling that your heart has skipped a beat, heart palpitations can be unsettling. Many episodes are benign, but some may signal an underlying heart rhythm condition that warrants a closer look. Our team at The Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona is here to help you understand what palpitations are, what may cause them, and when consulting a specialist is the right next step. If you have questions about your symptoms, contact us today to speak with a member of our care team.
What Are Heart Palpitations and What Causes Them?
Heart palpitations describe the awareness of your own heartbeat. Patients often report sensations such as fluttering, racing, pounding, or an irregular rhythm. These sensations may be felt in the chest, throat, or neck, and they can last a few seconds or persist longer.
Common Triggers
In many cases, palpitations do not reflect a serious condition. Lifestyle and physiological factors that may contribute include caffeine or alcohol consumption, dehydration, physical exertion, stress, anxiety, hormonal changes such as those associated with pregnancy or menopause, and certain over-the-counter medications. Poor sleep and stimulant use are also frequently reported triggers.
When a Heart Rhythm Disorder May Be Involved
In other cases, palpitations may be a symptom of an underlying heart rhythm disorder, also called an arrhythmia. These include conditions such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial fibrillation, and more complex rhythm disturbances. When palpitations occur alongside dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fainting or near-fainting episodes, a comprehensive evaluation becomes especially important. Identifying the precise cause of your palpitations is the foundation of appropriate, personalized care. Individual results and symptom patterns vary, and no two patients experience palpitations in exactly the same way.
Heart Palpitations and How a Cardiac Specialist Evaluates Your Symptoms
A thorough evaluation is the most reliable way to determine whether your heart palpitations are related to a benign trigger or an underlying rhythm abnormality. At our practice, the diagnostic process is structured to be both precise and patient-centered, reflecting Dr. Beshai’s philosophy of tailoring explanations and care to each individual’s level of understanding.
Diagnostic Tools and Testing
One of the first steps in evaluating palpitations is an electrocardiogram (ECG) in Phoenix and Scottsdale. An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and can help identify irregular rhythms, conduction abnormalities, and other findings that may explain your symptoms. Because palpitations are often intermittent, ambulatory monitoring devices such as Holter monitors or event recorders may also be recommended, allowing rhythm data to be captured over an extended period during your normal daily activities.
In more complex cases, advanced imaging such as intracardiac echocardiography may provide additional structural detail to guide treatment decisions. This level of diagnostic precision is particularly valuable when evaluating patients whose symptoms have not been explained by standard testing. A full review of your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors will accompany all diagnostic testing to ensure a complete clinical picture.
Understanding Your Results
Our care team takes the time to walk patients through their findings in clear, accessible language. Patients who understand their diagnosis are better equipped to participate in their own care and make informed decisions. Individual results and diagnostic findings vary, and treatment recommendations are always based on each patient’s specific clinical profile.
Treatment Options for Heart Palpitations Linked to Rhythm Disorders
When palpitations are found to stem from an underlying arrhythmia, a range of evidence-based treatment options may be considered. The goal is always to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and address any rhythm disturbance that may carry a risk of complications over time.
Lifestyle and Medical Management
For many patients, addressing modifiable triggers, alongside carefully managed medical therapy, may significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of palpitations. This may include dietary adjustments, stress management strategies, and medications that help regulate the heart’s electrical signals.
Interventional and Procedural Options
When rhythm disorders are more persistent or complex, procedural interventions may offer more durable relief. Radiofrequency cardiac ablation in Phoenix and Scottsdale is a catheter-based procedure in which targeted energy is applied to small areas of heart tissue that generate abnormal electrical signals. Cryoablation uses cold energy to achieve a similar effect and may be appropriate depending on the specific rhythm abnormality and patient profile.
For patients whose palpitations are linked to atrial fibrillation, more comprehensive approaches may be explored, including hybrid AFib therapy in Phoenix and Scottsdale, which combines surgical and catheter-based techniques for patients with persistent or long-standing AFib. Device-based therapies, such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), may also be discussed when clinically appropriate. Every treatment plan is developed individually, and results vary by patient.
To explore all available diagnostic and treatment services, visit our full cardiac care services page.
Why Choose Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona for evaluating Heart Palpitations in AZ?
Patients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the greater Arizona region trust the Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona for the evaluation and management of heart palpitations and complex rhythm disorders. Dr. John Beshai is a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist with extensive experience in advanced ablation techniques, device implantation, and the full spectrum of heart rhythm conditions. He holds fellowship status in both the Heart Rhythm Society and the American College of Cardiology, and he serves on the American College of Cardiology’s Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Council Committee.
What distinguishes our practice is not only clinical expertise but a genuine commitment to making patients feel informed and confident throughout every step of their care. We believe that patients who understand their condition are better positioned to make confident decisions about their care. We welcome patients at all levels of medical familiarity and tailor every consultation accordingly. To learn more about Dr. Beshai, visit his physician profile page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Palpitations
Are heart palpitations always a sign of a serious heart condition?
Not always. Many episodes of heart palpitations are linked to everyday factors such as stress, caffeine, dehydration, or physical exertion and may resolve on their own. However, palpitations that occur frequently, last for extended periods, or are accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, chest discomfort, or fainting should be evaluated by a cardiac specialist to rule out an underlying rhythm disorder. Individual symptom patterns vary.
When should I seek an evaluation for heart palpitations in Arizona?
You should consider scheduling a consultation if your palpitations are new, worsening, or occurring with increasing frequency. Additional reasons to seek care include a personal or family history of heart disease, palpitations triggered by physical activity, or associated symptoms such as shortness of breath or lightheadedness. A timely evaluation helps ensure that any underlying condition is identified early, when treatment options are often more straightforward.
What can I expect during my first appointment for palpitations?
At your initial visit, a member of our team will review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle in detail. Diagnostic testing, which may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) and additional monitoring tools, will be discussed based on your individual presentation. Dr. Beshai takes care to explain findings in accessible language, so you leave your appointment with a clear understanding of your results and any recommended next steps.
Get in Touch
If heart palpitations are affecting your daily life or raising questions you have not yet been able to answer, the Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona is here to help. Serving patients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the greater Arizona region, Dr. Beshai and his team are available to discuss your concerns and help determine whether further evaluation is right for you. Contact us today to get started.
Dr. Beshai is a board-certified electrophysiologist internationally renowned and respected for his expertise and research. Having published in major medical journals and travelled all over the world to present research, he is dedicated to providing innovative, state-of-the-art care to his patients.