Medical Tests & Procedures Archive

Heart palpitations are sensations of a pounding or racing heartbeat, often triggered by stress, stimulants, or hormonal changes. They're usually harmless but should be checked by a doctor. Palpitations may improve with lifestyle changes or treatment for underlying conditions.

Performed during an echocardiogram, a bubble study involves injecting a small amount of fluid filled with tiny bubbles into an arm vein. It can reveal the path of blood flow through the heart and provide clues about the cause of an unexpected stroke.

Bowel preparation (prep) is considered the most unpleasant part of the colonoscopy process, but it's also crucial. A clean bowel helps the gastroenterologist more easily locate and remove polyps, small growths that can develop into cancer. If the prep is inadequate, the patient will have to repeat the process. Updated guidelines for gastroenterologists, published in 2025, can help them guide their patients to have more successful preps.

People commonly experience heart palpitations, which feel like the heart flutters or skips a beat, or beats at a faster rate or in an irregular rhythm. They often last only seconds and can be unsettling. For the most part, palpitations are nothing to worry about. Still, these unusual heart sensations may indicate something more serious, such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia. Palpitations that persist or cause other symptoms (such as lightheadedness) should be evaluated by a doctor.