In most cases, a momentary change in heart rhythm can be directly attributed to some external factor. So, how can you determine the difference? Here are a few signs that a fluttering heart needs further examination. While, in most cases, these heart palpitations are harmless and no cause for alarm, there are scenarios where an irregular heartbeat is a sign of a more serious condition. However, there are occasions where the heart may flutter, flip-flop, thump, or otherwise beat irregularly. Generally, we don’t feel our heart beating at all, so when we do, it can be disconcerting. Avoiding medications like cough and cold medicine that contain stimulants that make the heart beat faster.Any new or different sensation in the chest can send the mind into a spiral.Restricting fat, salt and sugar in your diet.The good news is that there are steps you can take in your daily routine to eliminate potential AFib triggers. The resulting scar tissue blocks the abnormal electrical signals. Ablation consists of burning off small parts of the heart that contribute to the abnormal beats.

Cardioversion involves a mild electric shock which resets the heart’s rhythm. If medications don't bring your AFib symptoms under control, there are procedures available that may help such as cardioversion, catheter/surgical ablation options. What If Medications Aren't Helping My AFib? There are also newer procedures being done to control clots which may decrease the need for blood thinning. Your doctor will talk with you about your best options for blood thinning. It’s also important to begin a daily routine of blood thinners, or anticoagulants, to help prevent blood clots from forming. There are heart-rate controlling medications, which slow a rapid heart rate so the heart can pump more effectively, and there are heart-rhythm controlling meds which slow the electrical signals and bring the heartbeat into a normal rhythm. If your symptoms are mild or if they come and go, medication can be used to control AFib. EKGs can be completed in the doctor's office or can be conducted over the course of one or two days with a continuous rhythm, or Holter, monitor worn on the body. An EKG is used to detect heart rhythm problems by recording the heart's electrical activity. Your doctor is likely to order an electrocardiogram (EKG). If you suspect AFib, the first step is to contact your primary care doctor. Less common causes might include a thyroid disorder or a severe infection like pneumonia.

Heart attack or coronary artery disease.

The causes of AFib are usually related to other medical conditions that increase the level of stress placed on the heart. These clots can in turn, break loose and lead to a stroke which is the greatest danger of AFib. Because of the irregular heartbeat, blood may pool in the atria and cause a clot. What is important, though, is for people with AFib to be on blood thinners because of the increased risk for a stroke. The resulting irregular beats cause a fluttering heart rate that beats much faster than normal.ĭuring episodes of AFib, some people can have symptoms while others may not even notice. This, in turn, causes the heart's lower chambers, or ventricles, to beat in an uncoordinated way. A malfunction in the electrical system of the heart makes the upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) beat so quickly that they twitch or skip beats. AFib is a condition characterized by a disrupted heartbeat. The fluttering in your heart that you are describing is the classic symptom of atrial fibrillation or AFib. What Causes A Feeling Of Fluttering In My Chest?

Soo Park, MD, a board-certified cardiologist with Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians in Indianapolis and Columbus, Indiana, answers your questions and shares expert insight on heart conditions.

Chest flutter