Palpitations — an awareness of your heart beating, whether racing, pounding, fluttering, or 'skipping' — are extremely common and, for most individuals, entirely harmless. However, these palpitations can sometimes indicate an underlying heart rhythm problem, such as atrial fibrillation, which may have significant health implications if not properly diagnosed. To differentiate between harmless palpitations and potential issues, heart rhythm monitoring is essential, and consulting a palpitations specialist is the best way to ensure an accurate atrial fibrillation diagnosis.
Most palpitations are caused by ectopic beats—harmless extra beats felt as a thud or flutter—or heightened awareness of a normal heartbeat, often triggered by caffeine, alcohol, stress, or poor sleep. Important cardiac causes include atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular and often rapid rhythm requiring an atrial fibrillation diagnosis from a palpitations specialist, as well as SVT (sudden racing episodes) and other arrhythmias. In addition, thyroid problems, anemia, and anxiety can also lead to palpitations.
It is crucial to seek assessment promptly if your palpitations feel chaotic or irregular, come in sudden fast episodes, occur alongside dizziness or breathlessness, or have ever caused you to faint. Heart rhythm monitoring may be recommended to evaluate your condition further.
Your first appointment with a palpitations specialist lasts around 30 minutes and includes:
A detailed discussion of your symptoms — how the palpitations feel, how they start and stop, how long they last, and what triggers them. I may ask you to tap out the rhythm you feel.
A review of your risk factors, medications, caffeine and alcohol intake, and family history, all of which are important for an accurate atrial fibrillation diagnosis.
A physical examination and a resting ECG performed in the clinic.
A clear plan for heart rhythm monitoring, which is tailored to how often your symptoms occur.
The key to diagnosing palpitations, particularly in the context of atrial fibrillation diagnosis, is capturing your heart rhythm during symptoms. As a palpitations specialist, I can arrange several investigations rapidly, including:
ECG — a snapshot of your heart rhythm, performed in clinic
Ambulatory ECG monitoring — a small wearable monitor worn for 24 hours up to 14 days, selected based on how frequently your symptoms occur
Echocardiogram — an ultrasound scan to check the heart's structure and function, as some rhythm problems are linked to underlying structural disease
Blood tests — including thyroid function, anaemia screening, and electrolytes
Exercise testing — if your palpitations are triggered by exertion
Most patients complete their initial assessment and key investigations within one to two weeks, ensuring effective heart rhythm monitoring.
Treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis:
Ectopic beats with a healthy heart — the most common outcome. Clear reassurance is often the only treatment needed; reducing caffeine and alcohol and improving sleep helps many people. Where ectopics are frequent and troublesome, medication prescribed by a palpitations specialist can be effective.
Atrial fibrillation diagnosis — managed with medication to control the rhythm or heart rate, plus a careful stroke risk assessment to decide whether anticoagulation (blood-thinning treatment) is needed. Where appropriate, I refer directly to leading electrophysiology colleagues for catheter ablation.
SVT and other arrhythmias — often highly treatable with medication or ablation, which can be curative.
Non-cardiac causes — such as thyroid problems or anemia, are treated directly or with the right specialist input.
Whatever the diagnosis, you leave with a clear explanation of what is happening and a definitive plan, along with heart rhythm monitoring recommendations for ongoing assessment.
I am a Consultant Interventional and Structural Cardiologist with extensive expertise in cardiac assessment, including atrial fibrillation diagnosis. I hold a PhD from King's College London and have undergone advanced fellowship training in Milan, contributing to my over 100 peer-reviewed publications. For your convenience, I offer rapid access with same-week appointments at Heart Health Welbeck London (Marylebone), Cromwell Hospital (Kensington), The Wellington Hospital (St John's Wood), Bupa Health Care Canary Wharf, and The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (Basildon). I provide prompt heart rhythm monitoring, utilizing wearable ECG monitors that are arranged quickly to align with your symptom pattern, catering especially to those seeking a palpitations specialist. Consultations are available in both English and Turkish, and I am recognized by all major private medical insurers while also welcoming self-paying patients.
Recurrent palpitations merit an appropriate response — whether it's reassurance or the need for early treatment. If you're experiencing symptoms and require an atrial fibrillation diagnosis, don't hesitate to get in touch with my practice team for heart rhythm monitoring. Arrange a consultation at one of my London or Essex locations.
Contact Ms. Melinda Ziff (PA) at 020 3198 9826 or drozandemir.sec@outlook.com to schedule your appointment with a palpitations specialist.