Palpitations and heart rhythm problems
Private assessment of palpitations, an irregular heartbeat or a suspected arrhythmia with a consultant heart rhythm specialist.
Urgent help: Call 999 or go to A&E if palpitations do not go away, or if you also have chest pain, shortness of breath, or feel faint or have fainted.
About palpitations
Palpitations are when your heartbeat becomes more noticeable. You may feel it in your chest, neck or throat as racing, pounding or fluttering, or as skipped or extra beats.
They are usually harmless, and can be brought on by exercise, stress, lack of sleep, caffeine, alcohol or some medicines. Sometimes they are caused by a heart rhythm problem (an arrhythmia), such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which can be diagnosed and treated.
When to see a specialist
- the palpitations keep coming back or are happening more often
- they last more than a few minutes
- you have a heart condition, or a family history of heart problems
- you would like a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan
What happens at your consultation
We will ask about your symptoms, your medical and family history and any medicines you take, and examine you. An electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the heart’s electrical activity, is usually part of the first assessment. Depending on your symptoms, we may arrange further tests such as:
- ambulatory ECG monitoring: a small recorder worn for one or more days to capture your heart rhythm when symptoms happen
- an echocardiogram: an ultrasound scan of the heart’s structure and pumping
- an exercise test
- an implantable loop recorder: a tiny monitor placed under the skin for long-term recording when symptoms are infrequent
- an electrophysiology study: a catheter test of the heart’s electrical system, which can often be combined with treatment (ablation) in the same procedure
After the diagnosis
Many people with palpitations need no treatment beyond reassurance and simple changes. If you have an arrhythmia, we will explain the options, which may include medicines, catheter ablation or a device, and agree a plan with you.
Why choose Cambridge Cardiac
You will be under the care of Dr Claire Martin, an expert in heart rhythm problems.
Claire has been treating heart rhythm problems as a consultant at Royal Papworth Hospital since 2018, and holds a National Clinical Impact Award (2023) recognising her contribution to NHS patient care.
- She diagnoses and treats the full range of heart rhythm problems, from harmless extra beats to atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, and carries out all heart rhythm treatments herself.
- She has published widely in leading academic journals on the causes and treatments of arrhythmias.
Next steps
- Contact us to arrange a consultation. If you have private health insurance, we will guide you through getting your insurer’s approval, and we can tell you about fees if you are paying for yourself.
- Consultations take place at Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge Heart Clinic and Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital in Cambridge, and The Harley Street Clinic in London (see locations).
Further information
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation.