Disease Overview：Palpitations（PALP）
Palpitations (Xin Ji in Traditional Chinese Medicine) refer to the subjective sensation of an abnormally rapid, forceful, or irregular heartbeat—often described as fluttering, pounding, or skipping—without objective evidence of arrhythmia on electrocardiography. In TCM, Xin Ji is not viewed as an isolated symptom but as a manifestation of underlying imbalances, commonly involving Heart Qi deficiency, Heart Yin depletion, Phlegm-Fire disturbing the Heart, or Liver Qi stagnation transforming into Fire. Diagnosis integrates pulse palpation, tongue examination, and pattern differentiation (e.g., Shen disturbance, Blood stasis, or Yang hyperactivity), guiding individualized treatment with herbal formulas (e.g., Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan for Heart Yin deficiency), acupuncture (points such as Shenmen HT7 and Neiguan PC6), dietary therapy, and Qigong-based regulation. Unlike Western cardiology—which focuses primarily on structural or electrophysiological causes—TCM emphasizes restoring systemic harmony and autonomic balance, making it particularly valuable for functional or stress-related palpitations unexplained by conventional testing.
China offers distinct advantages for managing Xin Ji: world-class TCM hospitals like Guang’anmen Hospital and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine house nationally certified TCM cardiologists with decades of clinical experience in integrative cardiac care. Advanced diagnostic tools—including high-resolution Holter monitoring, heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, and standardized TCM pattern assessment software—support precise, evidence-informed interventions. Clinical studies published in journals such as *Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine* report sustained symptom improvement in over 78% of patients after 12 weeks of combined herbal-acupuncture therapy. Treatment costs remain significantly lower than comparable integrative programs in the US or EU—typically 40–60% less—without compromising safety or efficacy. As a dedicated medical tourism agency, we facilitate seamless access for international patients: arranging consultations with senior TCM specialists, coordinating hospital admissions at accredited institutions, providing itemized, transparent pricing in advance, and offering end-to-end support—from visa assistance and translation services to post-treatment follow-up coordination.
Palpitations: treatment in China helps patients compare specialist hospitals, initial assessment steps and estimated costs that may vary by city, institution and clinical condition.
Medical Treatment Guide
Treatment Options & Itemized Cost Breakdown for Palpitations (Xīn Jì) — TCM Diagnosis
Non-Surgical / Conservative / Medication-Based Management
*Target Criteria:* Mild-to-moderate palpitations without structural heart disease, arrhythmia on ECG, or hemodynamic instability; TCM patterns include Heart Qi Deficiency, Heart Blood Deficiency, Phlegm-Fire Disturbing the Heart, or Yin Deficiency with Yang Excess.
- •TCM Pattern Differentiation & Herbal Prescription (Outpatient)
- Custom decoction (14-day supply, raw herbs): $45–$78 - Granule formula (14-day supply, GMP-certified): $62–$95
- •Adjunctive Therapies
- Ear acupuncture + magnetic seeds (1-week kit): $18–$26
- •Diagnostic Workup (Required Prior to TCM Rx)
- Holter monitoring (24-hr): $48 - Serum electrolytes + thyroid function (TSH, FT4): $36 - Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram): $85
Surgical / Procedural / Interventional Options
*Eligibility Criteria:* Confirmed paroxysmal/chronic atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or ventricular tachycardia unresponsive to ≥3 months of guideline-directed medical therapy and TCM modulation; documented structural abnormality (e.g., accessory pathway, left atrial enlargement >45 mm).
- •Preoperative Workup (Mandatory)
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): $135 - Pulmonary vein CT angiography: $112
- •Procedures (All performed in Cardiology Department, Grade 3A Hospital)
- Pacemaker implantation (single-chamber, for bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome): $2,900–$4,100 - Cardioversion (electrical, under sedation): $380–$520
Special / Complex Condition Management
- •Palpitations with Severe Comorbidities (e.g., NYHA Class III HF, CKD Stage 4, uncontrolled DM)
- Individualized herbal IV adjuvant (Dan Shen injection + Sheng Mai injection): $110–$165/day
- •Refractory Anxiety-Driven Palpitations (DSM-5 GAD/Panic Disorder)
Quick Selection Guide
- •Age <45, Budget <$200, Mild Symptoms: Start with ECG + herbal granules + 4 acupuncture sessions (Total: ~$180)
- •Age 55–75, Moderate AFib, Budget $1,500–$3,000: Holter + echo + rhythm-control herbs + scheduled ablation (Total pre-op workup: $380; ablation: $3,200–$4,800)
- •Age >75, Multiple Comorbidities, Low Tolerance for Procedure: Inpatient integrated care + IV herbal support (Daily cost: $1,450–$2,200 for 7 days)
- •Young Adult, Stress-Induced, Normal Workup: TCM psychoacupuncture + CBT package ($270 total)
Pricing & Service Differences: International / VIP Dept vs. Regular Clinic
International Medical Services (IMS / VIP Departments) at Grade-3A public hospitals and private international clinics operate under self-regulated VIP fee schedules. Fees are higher than standard public clinics (which are subsidized solely for domestic citizens and do not accept overseas insurances). In exchange, international patients receive 6 exclusive medical privileges:
Recommended Hospitals
Explore selected Grade 3A public hospitals in China with rich clinical experience for this condition:
🌴 Recommended Palpitations Medical Vacation Packages
Curated transparent all-inclusive packages combining Palpitations treatment with China top medical destinations:
