Palpitations and Arrhythmia Evaluation
What Is It?
Awareness of abnormal or forceful heartbeats. Usually benign (PVCs, sinus tachycardia) but can represent serious arrhythmia (AFib, SVT, VT). Red flags: syncope, chest pain, dyspnea, structural heart disease.
How Is It Diagnosed?
EKG during symptoms (if possible). Holter monitor (24-48 hours) or event recorder (30 days) for intermittent symptoms. Echocardiogram if structural heart disease suspected.
How Is It Treated?
PVCs/benign: reassurance, reduce caffeine and stimulants, treat anxiety. SVT: vagal maneuvers, adenosine, beta-blockers, catheter ablation. AFib: rate or rhythm control, anticoagulation. VT: urgent cardiology.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
EKG, Holter monitor, event recorder, echocardiogram, TSH, BMP, CBC, electrolytes, caffeine/stimulant history.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. EKG: $30-$60. Holter monitor: $150-$300. Event recorder: $300-$600. Echocardiogram: $500-$900.