How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Palpitations

Audience: adult

Palpitations are feelings that your heart is pounding, racing, or skipping beats. They can be caused by many things, including stress, caffeine, or heart conditions. A telemedicine visit can be a convenient way to discuss your palpitations with a healthcare provider. During the visit, you can describe your symptoms, share your medical history, and get advice on next steps. Telemedicine often works well for mild or new palpitations without other serious symptoms. However, if you experience severe chest pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing, you should seek emergency care immediately. Preparing for your telemedicine visit by noting when palpitations occur, any triggers, and other symptoms can help your provider understand your condition better. After the visit, you may be advised to monitor your symptoms, get tests, or see a specialist in person. Telemedicine can support your care but is not a replacement for urgent or emergency medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden chest pain or pressure — call emergency services immediately.
• Fainting or loss of consciousness — seek urgent medical attention.
• Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing — get emergency care right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing mild or new palpitations without severe symptoms
• Reviewing medical history and current medications
• Providing advice on symptom monitoring and lifestyle changes
• Determining need for further testing or specialist referral

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluating severe chest pain or other emergency symptoms
• Performing physical examinations or diagnostic tests
• Managing life-threatening arrhythmias or cardiac emergencies

What are palpitations?

Palpitations feel like your heart is pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly. They can last a few seconds or longer. Many people experience palpitations at some point, and they are often harmless. Common causes include stress, exercise, caffeine, or certain medications. Sometimes, palpitations may signal an underlying heart problem.

When is telemedicine appropriate for palpitations?

Telemedicine visits are suitable when palpitations are mild, infrequent, and not accompanied by serious symptoms. You can discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Your provider may help identify possible causes and suggest monitoring or simple treatments. Telemedicine can be a first step before deciding if in-person tests or care are needed.

When to seek in-person or emergency care

If you have palpitations along with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe dizziness, or weakness, you should seek emergency care immediately. Also, if palpitations are new, very frequent, or worsening, an in-person evaluation may be necessary. These symptoms can indicate more serious heart conditions that need prompt attention.

How to prepare for your telemedicine visit

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What to expect after the telemedicine visit

Your provider may recommend monitoring your symptoms, lifestyle changes, or avoiding triggers. They might suggest tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood work. In some cases, you may be referred to a heart specialist for further evaluation. Follow your provider's instructions and seek in-person care if symptoms worsen.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the time and frequency of palpitations.
• Record any triggers or related activities.
• List other symptoms like dizziness or chest discomfort.
• Prepare a list of current medications and supplements.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with reliable internet.
• Have your device charged and ready for the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any monitoring or lifestyle advice given.
• Schedule recommended tests such as ECG if advised.
• Keep track of any new or worsening symptoms.
• Attend any follow-up appointments as directed.
• Seek immediate care if red-flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

What causes palpitations?

Palpitations can be caused by stress, caffeine, exercise, medications, or heart conditions. Sometimes, no clear cause is found.

Can telemedicine diagnose my palpitations?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and decide if further tests or in-person care are needed, but it cannot replace physical exams or diagnostic tests.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if you have palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or weakness.

How can I reduce palpitations?

Avoid triggers like caffeine and stress, get regular sleep, and follow your healthcare provider's advice.

Will I need tests?

Your provider may recommend tests like an ECG to check your heart rhythm if needed.

Sources

1. Palpitations — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Heart palpitations — Mayo Clinic.
3. Arrhythmias and palpitations — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. When to seek emergency care for palpitations — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience severe or emergency symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.