Managing the Consequences of Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations, also known as premature beats, are commonly categorized into two types: atrial and ventricular. In many cases, occasional palpitations do not produce noticeable symptoms and generally do not pose serious health risks or require treatment.

When Palpitations Become a Concern

However, if the heart rate consistently exceeds 150 beats per minute, it can lead to more severe complications such as angina or heart failure. Initially, patients may experience exertional dyspnea—shortness of breath during physical activity. As the condition progresses, symptoms like orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat) and acute pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs) may develop.

Severe Outcomes of Uncontrolled Palpitations

In extreme cases, uncontrolled heart palpitations can result in cardiogenic shock—a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Therefore, managing ventricular rate is crucial in treating this condition.

Treatment Options for Heart Palpitations

Commonly prescribed medications include beta-blockers such as Metoprolol (Lopressor), Bisoprolol (Zebeta), and Carvedilol (Coreg), which help regulate heart rate. If beta-blockers prove ineffective, antiarrhythmic drugs like Propafenone or Amiodarone may be recommended to restore normal heart rhythm.

When Medical Therapy Isn't Enough

In cases where a 24-hour period records more than 10,000 premature beats, catheter ablation—a minimally invasive procedure using radiofrequency energy—can be an effective treatment option. This procedure targets and eliminates the abnormal heart tissue responsible for the irregular beats.