HEALTH JOURNAL
Palpitations and Arrhythmia: Coordinating TCM With Heart Care
Jeremy Wong · · Updated
Palpitations describe a sensation; an arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. The two are not interchangeable. New, recurrent or changing symptoms need a medical assessment before they are attributed to stress or a traditional Chinese medicine pattern.
Start with the rhythm diagnosis
Depending on the symptoms, a medical clinician may consider an ECG, monitoring or other tests. A pulse examination in Chinese medicine does not replace these investigations or show whether a rhythm is safe. If palpitations occur with chest pain, fainting or severe shortness of breath, seek emergency care.
Keep the existing cardiac plan in place
Continue prescribed medicines and follow-up unless the treating clinician changes them. Decisions about anticoagulation, rhythm medicines, pacemakers or other cardiac treatment belong with the medical team. Feeling calmer is not evidence that an arrhythmia has resolved.
What a complementary consultation can discuss
After the medical diagnosis is clear, a consultation can address your questions about sleep, stress and comfort alongside existing care. TCM pattern descriptions are a separate interpretive framework; they should not be presented as proof of correcting the heart rhythm.
Prepare a medication and symptom record
- Your rhythm diagnosis and relevant cardiology reports.
- Prescription medicines, non-prescription products and supplements.
- When symptoms happen, how long they last and associated symptoms.
- Any implanted cardiac device, prior fainting or recent treatment change.
Herbal ingredients can interact with cardiac medicines. Use the herbal consultation or acupuncture service pages to discuss suitability with the team, with your cardiology care continuing.
Practical questions before booking
Can a TCM pulse assessment replace an ECG?
No. A traditional pulse description is not a substitute for diagnosing an abnormal heart rhythm.
Should I stop my heart medicine before a consultation?
No. Bring the medication list and coordinate any proposed supplement with your medical team.