Patient education: Palpitations – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You came to the ED for heart palpitations. These are changes in your heartbeat you can feel. You might feel like your heart is beating hard, beating fast, or skipping a beat. Some people describe the feeling as a fluttering or pounding in the chest, neck, or throat. You might also feel lightheaded, dizzy, or tired.

Palpitations are usually not serious and go away on their own. But sometimes, they are related to a heart condition that needs treatment.

The doctors might not be able to find out what is causing your palpitations the first time they see you. So it is important that you follow up with your regular doctor.

You might be waiting on test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment.

●Follow your regular doctor's instructions about managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, or high blood sugar (diabetes).

●Take all your medicines as instructed.

●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.

●Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine.

●Try to get regular physical activity. Even gentle forms of activity, like walking, are good for your health. If exercise causes palpitations or other symptoms, talk to your doctor or nurse about what kinds of physical activity are safe to do.

●Find healthy ways to cope with stress.

When should I get emergency help? — 

Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you have:

●Signs of a heart attack, which might include:

•Severe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort with:

-Trouble breathing, sweating, nausea, or cold, clammy skin

-Pain in your arms, back, or jaw

-Worse pain with activity like walking up stairs

-Fast or irregular heartbeat

-Feeling dizzy, faint, or weak

●Signs of a stroke, like sudden:

•Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on 1 side of the body

•Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding

•Trouble seeing in 1 or both eyes

•Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination

•Severe headache with no known cause

Return to the ED if:

●You pass out.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if you:

●Continue to have palpitations or other changes in your heartbeat

●Are more tired than normal, or have more trouble breathing with activity

●Have new or worsening symptoms

More on this topic

Patient education: Palpitations (The Basics)