Palpitations

Dear Ask The Doctor: I AM A 46 YEAR OLD FEMALE.I HAVE 4 CHILDREN ALL THROUGH CESAREAN.MY HEIGHT IS 5"2 FEET AND WEIGHT 67.MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS 12O BY 80.MY BLOOD SUGAR IS 106.MY HAEMOGLOBIN IS 10.6.I HAVE DISCS ALL UNDER CONTROL.LATELY I HAVE FELT PALPITATIONS OF HEART.KINDLY ADVISE.

Dear Rabia: There are many reasons for palpitations. The only way to diagnose the cause of your symptoms is to get a heart tracing during these episodes.The sensation of skipped heartbeats and palpitations can often be due to premature ventricular complexes, which are generally benign, but sometimes the sensations may be caused by heart rhythm abnormalities. From the symptoms you describe, I advise attending your family doctor for a full history and clinical examination. He can perform an ECG (electrical trace of the heart) and may refer you for a 24 hour Holter (heart) monitor. This records a 24 hour electrical trace of the heart and will check for any heart rhythm abnormalities.