Welcome to Dr Ozan Demir!

Palpitations — an awareness of your heart beating, whether racing, pounding, fluttering or "skipping" — are extremely common and, in most people, entirely harmless. But sometimes palpitations signal an underlying heart rhythm problem such as atrial fibrillation, which carries important health implications if left undiagnosed. The only way to know the difference is to capture and assess your heart rhythm properly.

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 (an irregular, often rapid rhythm), SVT (sudden racing episodes) and other arrhythmias. Thyroid problems, anaemia and anxiety can also cause palpitations.

Seek assessment promptly if your palpitations feel chaotic or irregular, come in sudden fast episodes, occur with dizziness or breathlessness, or have ever caused you to faint.

Your first appointment lasts around 30 minutes and includes:

1. 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
2. A review of your risk factors, medications, caffeine and alcohol intake, and family history
3. A physical examination and a resting ECG performed in clinic
4. A clear plan — including rhythm monitoring matched to how often your symptoms occur

The key to diagnosing palpitations is capturing your heart rhythm during symptoms. Investigations I can arrange rapidly include:

• 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, chosen according to 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..

reatment 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 can be effective
• Atrial fibrillation — 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 anaemia, 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.

• Consultant Interventional and Structural Cardiologist with expertise across the full range of cardiac assessment
• PhD from King's College London and advanced fellowship training in Milan, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications
• Rapid access — same-week appointments at Heart Health Welbeck London (Marylebone), Cromwell Hospital (Kensington), The Wellington Hospital (St John's Wood), Bupa Health Care Canary Wharf, The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (Basildon)
• Prompt rhythm monitoring — wearable ECG monitors arranged quickly and matched to your symptom pattern
• Consultations in English and Turkish
• Recognised by all major private medical insurers; self-paying patients welcome

Recurrent palpitations deserve a clear answer — reassurance or early treatment. Contact my practice team to arrange a consultation at one of my London or Essex locations.

Contact Ms Amelia Garner (PA) on 020 3198 9826 or drozandemir.sec@outlook.com to arrange a consultation.