Searching for products?

5 Questions to Ask if You Have Heart Palpitations

Does your heart race, skip, or do flip-flops? The medical term for what you are experiencing is heart palpitations. Millions of people suffer from similar symptoms.

You can also feel these heart palpitations in your throat, chest, and neck. Sometimes, they are dangerous. Most of the time, they are not.

Heart palpitations are a symptom of something out of balance

Jenny is a 24-year-old female who complains of heart skipping. The issue started two months ago after an argument with her boyfriend. Work has been stressful too, and she is not sleeping well. 

She is scared and wants to make sure this is nothing serious, but she wants to feel normal again. Does this sound like you? If so, you are not alone. An increasing number of people are experiencing palpitations due to a poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and stress. 

Questions to ask if you have palpitations

The cardiologist’s job is to find the scary stuff regarding your heart. Here are some questions your doctor should ask to decide what the symptoms are from and why they may or may not be dangerous.

  • How long have you had the symptoms? There is safety in time. If you have had symptoms for years, it is less likely to be severe than if the symptoms started recently.
  • Do the symptoms occur at rest or with activity? Symptoms with activity are usually linked to a more significant issue. Symptoms at rest are usually nothing dangerous. 
  • Do the symptoms occur with food, stress, alcohol, caffeine, or in a particular environment? Identifying triggers helps to uncover the root cause of the palpitations.
  • Do you feel lightheaded, or have you passed out? These complaints send up red flags. Pay attention to how you feel when the palpitations occur.
  • Has a family member died suddenly or at an early age? Alert, alert! This can be a vital warning sign and an important reason to know your family history.

What causes palpitations?

There are many causes of heart palpitations. Here are some situations that can lead to the feeling of an irregular heartbeat:

  • Can anxiety cause heart palpitations? Anxiety is the number one cause of palpitations worldwide. We have all been nervous or tense before and may get sweaty hands and feelings of uneasiness when something causes us to become anxious. Anxiety is likely at the root of your palpitations if they occur along with other known symptoms of anxiety. Stress is a demon, and stress reframing methods are essential.
  • What medical conditions cause heart palpitations? Medical conditions, including blood sugar fluctuations, anemia, dehydration, fever, and thyroid disease, can be at the root of palpitations. 
  • Can medications cause palpitations? Medications like diet pills, asthma inhalers, and decongestants can cause the heart to race and flutter. Sometimes, cardiac drugs used to treat irregular heartbeats may worsen symptoms.
  • Can alcohol or recreational drugs cause palpitations? Alcohol and illicit drugs, especially cocaine and amphetamines, may cause palpitations.  The morning after alcohol and drug use is often when symptoms arise.
  • Can a poor diet cause palpitations? Consumption of foods loaded with sugar, artificial color, and flavors such as MSG (monosodium glutamate) may cause palpitations. Eating a healthy diet loaded with heart-nourishing vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats is essential.
  • Is my morning cup of coffee causing palpitations? It is unlikely that one cup of quality organic coffee would cause palpitations, but heavy caffeine consumption can sometimes lead to symptoms. 

Uncovering the root cause of palpitations

To find the root cause of palpitations, it is essential to do the following:

  • Dig deep into medical and family history.
  • Assess diet and lifestyle.
  • Assess any known triggers.
  • Conduct a detailed physical examination
  • Conduct lab work for detailed blood analysis.
  • Conduct heart tests like an ECG, an echocardiogram, and a heart monitor. The Zio Patch monitor is a bandaid-sized device that sits on the skin of the chest. It monitors and records every heartbeat for two weeks.

Are there natural treatment options for heart palpitations?

Treatment will depend upon the cause of the palpitations. Sometimes they’re harmless and go away on their own. If that happens, no treatment is necessary.

If the diagnosis is not immediately life-threatening, take the time to look at your lifestyle. Here are some things to do:

  • Ease stress and anxiety. Try activities like yoga, meditation, or essential oils.
  • Stop excessive use of alcohol, caffeine, and illegal drug use.
  • Avoid over-the-counter and prescription cough and cold medicines. These act as stimulants.
  • Eat like our ancestors. Consume clean, nutrient-dense food that fuels the heart and body.
  • Get an appropriate amount of sleep. Our ancestors went to sleep at sundown and awoke before the sunrise. We would be wise to follow their lead.
  • Embrace the sun. The morning sun is critical, but any sun exposure throughout the day benefits health. The sun makes vitamin D, melatonin, and nitric oxide and has benefits science has yet to discover. Sunburn is bad, sunshine is good. 
  • Drink high-quality water and plenty of it. Install a Pristine Hydro water revival system in your home to crank up your water and mineral intake. 
  • See your chiropractor regularly. Chiropractic care uses the bones of the spine to influence neurologic changes in the body. This includes the autonomic nervous system. When the autonomics are in balance, palpitations often stop.

Next steps

Each case is different, and the key to understanding the severity of your palpitations lies in determining what is causing them in the first place. Keep a journal, including what you eat, how you feel, stress levels, how you sleep, and triggers you notice. This is essential for health and will help your practitioner get to the bottom of your palpitations.

For more information regarding palpitations, listen to this episode of the Healthy Heart Show!

Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well 


Medical Review: Dr. Jack Wolfson D.O, FACC 2022

In order to live well, one must eat well.

Get the Natural Heart Doctor approved Diet and discover how to eat for your 100 Year Heart.

Work With Us

Discover how we can help you achieve your 100 Year Heart.

About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

Dr. Wolfson Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Acupuncture

Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Cardio Tests

We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Office Visits

Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.