Editing Palpitations (section)

==Treatment==

=== Non-medical treatments ===
To manage palpitations effectively, incorporating stress and anxiety-reducing techniques, like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, can help alleviate symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing the body's stress response.<ref name="Robinson Sanchack 2019" /> For immediate relief during an episode of palpitations, [[Vagal maneuver|vagal maneuvers]] are often use preliminarily in the hospital setting.<ref name=":1" /> These maneuvers involves holding one's breath and bearing down—can be employed to stimulate the vagus nerve and slow the heart rate.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Page |first1=Richard L. |last2=Joglar |first2=José A. |last3=Caldwell |first3=Mary A. |last4=Calkins |first4=Hugh |last5=Conti |first5=Jamie B. |last6=Deal |first6=Barbara J. |last7=Estes |first7=N.A. Mark |last8=Field |first8=Michael E. |last9=Goldberger |first9=Zachary D. |last10=Hammill |first10=Stephen C. |last11=Indik |first11=Julia H. |last12=Lindsay |first12=Bruce D. |last13=Olshansky |first13=Brian |last14=Russo |first14=Andrea M. |last15=Shen |first15=Win-Kuang |date=2016-04-05 |title=2015 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Management of Adult Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society |url=https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000311 |journal=Circulation |language=en |volume=133 |issue=14 |pages=e506-74 |doi=10.1161/CIR.0000000000000311 |pmid=26399663 |issn=0009-7322|url-access=subscription }}</ref> However, these techniques may provide only temporary relief, and if palpitations persist or are associated with other concerning symptoms, medical evaluation is essential to determine any underlying causes and appropriate treatment options. <ref name=":1" />

While lifestyle modifications can be beneficial, they may not fully address palpitations resulting from ongoing medical conditions, necessitating further medical intervention.

=== Medical treatments ===
Treating palpitations depends on how bad they are and what’s causing them.<ref name="Robinson Sanchack 2019" /><ref name=":1" />

[[Radiofrequency ablation]] is a common treatment for most [[Supraventricular tachycardia|supraventricular]] and [[ventricular tachycardia]]s.<ref name="Robinson Sanchack 2019" /> Another option is stereotactic radioablation.<ref name="Robinson Sanchack 2019" /> It was originally performed for [[tumor]]s. But, it has also treated tough heart rhythm problems. These include [[ventricular tachycardia]] and [[atrial fibrillation]].<ref name="Robinson Sanchack 2019" />

Some palpitations are caused by extra heartbeats or occur with a normal heart rhythm. These include beats that start above the ventricles or [[Premature ventricular contraction|ventricular ectopic beats]].<ref name="Robinson Sanchack 2019" />  These are usually harmless, and patients can be reassured that they’re not dangerous. If the symptoms are bothersome or impact daily life, [[Beta blocker|beta-blockers]] might help. They can also protect healthy people.<ref name="Robinson Sanchack 2019" />

People with no symptoms, normal lab tests, and normal EKG results can usually leave the emergency department safely. They should follow up with their primary care doctor or a cardiologist.<ref name="Robinson Sanchack 2019" /> However, patients with palpitations linked to fainting ([[Syncope (medicine)|syncope]]), uncontrolled arrhythmias, poor blood flow ([[Hemodynamics|hemodynamic]] issues), or chest pain ([[angina]]) should get further evaluation.<ref name="Robinson Sanchack 2019" />

If palpitations are due to heart muscle problems, a cardiologist must be involved in the patient's care.

Palpitations from vagus nerve stimulation are usually not due to heart problems. These types of palpitations originate outside the heart and are not a sign of an unhealthy heart muscle. To treat this type of palpitation, the cause of irritation to the vagus nerve or [[parasympathetic nervous system]] needs to be found and fixed.  Anxiety and stress can worsen vagus nerve-induced palpitations. So, managing stress is key to treatment.