6 Reasons You May Be Getting Heart Palpitations
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Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. In particular, the doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests—to look for certain markers in the blood that help the doctor determine what is happening with your heart
- Urine tests— to look for certain markers in the urine that help the doctor determine what is happening with your heart
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) —records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
- Echocardiogram —uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart
- 24-hour holter monitor—a portable EKG that you wear as you perform normal daily activities
- Exercise stress test —records the heart's electrical activity during increased physical activity. For patients who cannot exercise, an intravenous medication may be given to simulate the effects of physical exertion on the heart.
- Nuclear scanning—Radioactive material is injected into a vein and observed as it is absorbed by the heart muscle. Areas with diminished flow, and therefore uptake of the radioactive material, show up as dark spots on the scan.
- Coronary angiography — x-rays taken after a dye is injected into the coronary arteries—allows the doctor to look for abnormalities (narrowing, blockage) in the arteries and evaluate the function of the heart.
- Electrophysiological study—In this study, a series of electrodes is threaded through your blood vessels and attached to various spots in your heart. This allows doctors to see how electric impulses travel through the heart, aiding in the diagnosis of problems with conduction and/or identification of tissues that may be causing the arrhythmia.
- Tilt table testing—This test is usually recommended for patients with history of fainting. First, you lie flat on a table that is later tilted into a vertical position. Your heart rate and blood pressure as well as other parameters are closely monitored during the tilting.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.