returning palpitations

  i posted about 2 months ago that i was experiencing palpitations, which the cardiologist blamed on ginseng after doing an echo and finding no problems. he advised i stop the ginseng. i did, and for about 4 weeks the palpitations declined in frequency and amount. then i started experiencing them again. they seem to be getting increasinly more frequent, with 5 or 6 in a row instead of the 1 i was experiencing previously. since my echo was clear and there were no structural problems, do you suggest i return to the cardiologist? i do not smoke, rarely drink, avoid caffeine as much as possible (given up coffee completely and have chocolate occasionally), and am not under a lot of stress.  Thank you for your help.

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

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Dear Nancy, thank you for your question. You are doing all the right things to limit palpitations (avoiding caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol).  However, with a normal heart on your echo, the palpitations will not be harmful to you, they will just be more of a nuisance.  I recommend that you first try to focus your attention elsewhere.  If that doesn't work, then you may want to ask your cardiologist about taking a beta-blocker that may suppress the palpitations.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck!
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