Atrial fibrillation
An irregular atrial rhythm that may affect symptoms, stroke risk and rhythm-control decisions.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kathy Shi, M.D., Ph.D. · SinoUnited Health
Heart rhythm care in Shanghai
Heart palpitations and arrhythmia assessment in Shanghai
A racing, fluttering, pounding or skipped heartbeat can have many explanations. The first step is to document the rhythm, understand the wider clinical picture and determine whether specialist heart rhythm care is appropriate.
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Understanding the symptom
Palpitations are a feeling, not a diagnosis
Heart palpitations describe an increased awareness of the heartbeat. People may describe racing, pounding, fluttering, skipped beats or a rhythm that suddenly feels different.
Some palpitations occur during a normal heart rhythm. Others may be caused by premature beats or an arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia or ventricular tachycardia. Symptoms alone do not reliably identify the rhythm.
A useful assessment connects the patient’s symptoms with an ECG or rhythm recording whenever possible. It also considers medicines, medical history, heart structure and factors outside the heart that may contribute to symptoms.
Symptoms and urgency
When should heart palpitations be evaluated?
Occasional palpitations without other symptoms may not be dangerous, but new, recurrent, prolonged or disruptive symptoms deserve medical attention. Earlier evaluation is especially important when there is known heart disease or a family history of rhythm problems or sudden cardiac death.
Racing or fluttering
A heartbeat that suddenly becomes fast, irregular or unusually forceful.
Skipped or extra beats
A pause, thump or brief sensation that the heart has missed a beat.
Reduced function
Fatigue, breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance during episodes.
Dizziness or fainting
Light-headedness, near-fainting or loss of consciousness with a rhythm change.
Arrhythmia assessment
From a symptom to a documented rhythm
A cardiac electrophysiologist is a cardiologist with additional expertise in the electrical system of the heart. The assessment aims to determine whether symptoms are caused by an arrhythmia and whether that rhythm requires monitoring, treatment or further testing.
- 01Describe the episodes.
When they began, how long they last, how suddenly they start and stop, possible triggers and associated symptoms. - 02Record the rhythm.
A 12-lead ECG, ambulatory monitor, event monitor, smartwatch tracing or implanted-device recording may help connect symptoms to the heart rhythm. - 03Review the complete clinical picture.
Assessment may include medicines, blood tests, an echocardiogram and relevant heart, thyroid, lung or other medical conditions. - 04Define the next step.
The result may be reassurance and follow-up, further monitoring, medication, risk-factor care, an electrophysiology study or discussion of a procedure.
Patient guides
Common heart rhythm conditions
The rhythm recorded during symptoms determines which information is most relevant. These guides explain several conditions treated within cardiac electrophysiology.
Atrial flutter
A rapid, more organized atrial rhythm that can coexist with atrial fibrillation.
Supraventricular tachycardia
Fast rhythms that begin above the ventricles and often start and stop suddenly.
Premature ventricular contractions
Early ventricular beats that may feel like a skip, pause, thump or extra beat.
Ventricular tachycardia
A fast rhythm arising from the ventricles that ranges from clinically tolerated to life-threatening and requires appropriate evaluation.
Other rhythm concerns
Slow heart rhythms, conduction disorders, unexplained fainting and rhythm findings after previous procedures may also require specialist review.
Not every palpitation is an arrhythmia
Monitoring may show a normal rhythm during symptoms. That result still helps guide the next appropriate clinical step.
Arrhythmia specialist in Shanghai
Heart rhythm assessment with Dr. Feifan Ouyang
Dr. Ouyang is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist whose clinical work spans complex atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, electrophysiology mapping and catheter ablation. At Shanghai SinoUnited Hospital, the first priority is to understand the documented rhythm and the individual patient before recommending treatment.
View Dr. Ouyang’s experience220+Manuscripts and papers across cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia care
China · GermanyTraining, clinical practice and electrophysiology laboratory leadership
Complex rhythmsExperience across atrial and ventricular arrhythmia assessment and ablation
ShanghaiInvited arrhythmia specialist at Shanghai SinoUnited Hospital
Preparing for a consultation
Information that can make the first review more useful
The care team will explain how to share records securely. Do not send medical attachments through the initial website form.
Rhythm recordings
ECGs, monitor reports, clinician-reviewed wearable tracings and the dates and duration of symptoms.
Medical history
Current medicines, heart conditions, previous cardioversions or ablations, family history and relevant test results.
A symptom timeline
How the episodes feel, how suddenly they begin and end, possible triggers and whether they affect breathing, exercise or consciousness.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about palpitations and arrhythmia care
These answers provide general education and do not replace an individual medical assessment.
Does every palpitation mean there is an arrhythmia?
No. Palpitations are a symptom and may occur with a normal rhythm, premature beats or an arrhythmia. Recording the rhythm during symptoms is often the most useful way to distinguish between them.
What kind of doctor treats heart rhythm problems?
A cardiac electrophysiologist is a cardiologist with additional expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart’s electrical system.
Can a smartwatch diagnose an arrhythmia?
A wearable recording may provide useful information, but it does not replace clinical interpretation or a complete assessment. Bring the original tracing or report rather than relying only on a device notification.
Will I need catheter ablation?
Not necessarily. Treatment depends on the documented rhythm, symptoms, associated risks, heart health, prior treatment and patient preferences. Some people need monitoring or medication; selected patients may discuss catheter ablation.
Can international patients request an arrhythmia consultation in Shanghai?
Yes. The SinoUnited international care team can help coordinate an initial inquiry and explain how to share available records securely before travel.
Request specialist care
Would you like a heart rhythm review?
Share basic contact information and the SinoUnited international care team can help coordinate the next appropriate step with Dr. Ouyang’s service.
Request a consultation For emergencies, contact local emergency services immediately.
Clinical references
Sources informing this page
- American Heart Association. What is an Arrhythmia? Last reviewed September 24, 2024.
- American Heart Association. Symptoms, Diagnosis and Monitoring of Arrhythmia. Last reviewed October 10, 2024.
- Page RL, et al. 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Management of Adult Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia. Heart Rhythm. 2016.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Kathy Shi, M.D., Ph.D.Affiliation: SinoUnited HealthReview date: July 21, 2026