Importance Of Medical Same Day Appointments For Palpitations
Heart palpitations are very common and most people will experience them at some point or another in their lives. While palpitations are often benign and harmless, they can indicate certain medical problems. Here are some reasons why medical same-day appointments are beneficial for people who have palpitations and what interventions you can expect during your visit.
Rule Out Cardiovascular Problems
When you arrive for your appointment, your vital signs will be assessed and the healthcare provider will take a medical history. You will also be given an electrocardiogram (EKG) to assess your heart function while you are at rest.
While an EKG cannot reveal all types of heart disease, it can often reveal if a person is having a heart attack. It can also reveal cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, bradycardia (slow heart rate), and tachycardia (fast heart rate). While palpitations often affect your heart rate, they may not always affect the rhythm of your heart.
When the heart rhythm is unaffected by palpitations, it is considered a good sign. An EKG can detect alterations in the rhythm, and if none are detected, chances are your palpitations are harmless. Certain non-cardiac-related factors can cause heart palpitations, including allergy medications, caffeine, anxiety, and low-calorie diets.
Rule Out Anemia
Palpitations may also be related to anemia, which refers to a low red blood cell count. When your red blood cells count is too low, they are unable to effectively transport oxygen to other parts of your body. This can result in dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, pallor, and heart palpitations.
During your medical same-day appointment, the healthcare provider may recommend a complete blood count (CBC) to see if you have anemia. If your red blood cell count is low, further testing may be warranted, however, minor decreases in red blood cells are often not significant as this can occur as a result of heavy menstrual bleeding and taking aspirin. Once your red blood count returns to normal, your symptoms, including your heart palpitations are likely to resolve.
If your complete blood count reveals severe anemia or a very low platelet count, the healthcare provider will recommend following up with your primary care doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
If you develop heart palpitations, consider the benefits of medical same-day appointments. When heart and other health problems are recognized while still in their early stages, they may be more treatable and less likely to progress into something more serious. It is important to note that if your heart palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or severe pain in your jaw or left arm, you should seek emergency medical attention at the nearest hospital. Early intervention often results in a more favorable prognosis.
For more information on same-day appointments, contact a professional near you.
Share