PATIENT EDUCATION · THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
Palpitations, made clear.
A few pictures. Short explanations. Start here, then explore the full guide when you’re ready.
01 · PALPITATIONS
Why does my heart race or skip?
Palpitations describe what you feel, not a diagnosis. You may notice normal beats, an early beat, or an abnormal rhythm. A pause after an early beat can feel like a skip.
This is an illustrative extra-beat tracing, not your EKG.
02 · PALPITATIONS
How do we identify the rhythm?
An EKG records a short snapshot. A wearable monitor records during daily life and can connect symptoms with your rhythm.
Save any available watch EKG and note the time, duration, and symptoms.
03 · PALPITATIONS
What happens next?
Treatment depends on which rhythm is found and how it affects you. It may include addressing triggers, medicines, or an ablation for a suitable rhythm.
New, longer, or more frequent episodes should be discussed with your care team.
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Medical illustrations are simplified examples for teaching.