Heart Palpitations
Informed by recognized medical guidance
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or life-threatening, seek urgent medical care now.
Overview
Heart palpitations are the feeling that your heart is pounding, racing, fluttering, or skipping a beat. Most of the time, they are harmless and go away on their own. But they can sometimes be a sign of a heart problem that needs medical attention.
Key facts
- Heart palpitations are very common and rarely serious.
- They can last a few seconds or a few minutes.
- Many people feel them only once in a while.
- Stress, caffeine, and lack of sleep can trigger them.
Yes, heart palpitations are extremely common. Almost everyone experiences them at some point in their lives.
Heart palpitations can affect people of all ages, but they are more often reported in adults, especially women, and in people who have anxiety or are under a lot of stress.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes
- Shortness of breath that does not go away with rest
- Fainting or nearly fainting
- Severe dizziness or lightheadedness
- ⚠Palpitations that last a very long time (more than 30 minutes) without stopping
- ⚠Palpitations along with sweating, nausea, or pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw
- ⚠Palpitations that wake you from sleep or make you feel faint
Common symptoms
- A fluttering or flip-flopping feeling in the chest
- A pounding or racing heartbeat
- Feeling like the heart is skipping a beat
- A thumping sensation in the neck or throat
Symptoms in children
- Children may describe a strange feeling in their chest or say their heart is beating fast
- They might become pale or feel anxious
- Palpitations in children can happen with fever or after physical activity
Symptoms in older adults
- In older adults, palpitations may be less noticeable but can come with dizziness, tiredness, or fainting
- They are often linked to other health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease
- Palpitations in older adults should always be checked by a doctor
Causes
Main causes
- Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
- Caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine
- Certain medications (like cold medicines or asthma inhalers)
- Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or menopause)
- Strenuous exercise
- Medical conditions like anemia, thyroid problems, or low blood sugar
Risk factors
- Being very anxious or having a panic disorder
- Drinking a lot of caffeine or alcohol
- Taking certain medications or illicit drugs
- Having a family history of heart rhythm problems
- Having heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Go to the emergency department or call your local emergency number if you have palpitations together with chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath.
Book a routine appointment if:
- See your doctor for a check-up if you have palpitations that happen often, last a long time, or are bothering you, even if you don't have other symptoms.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. They will check your pulse and listen to your heart. If they think it's needed, they may do some tests to see if there is a heart rhythm problem.
Tests that may be done
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): a quick, painless test that records your heart's electrical activity.
- Holter monitor: a portable device you wear for 24 to 48 hours to track your heart rhythm during your normal day.
- Event monitor: a device you wear for weeks or months that records your heart when you press a button during palpitations.
- Echocardiogram: an ultrasound of your heart to check its structure and function.
What to expect at your appointment
Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of when your palpitations happen, what you were doing, and how you felt. If your test results are normal and you have no other symptoms, your doctor will likely reassure you that the palpitations are not dangerous.
Treatment
Treatment for heart palpitations depends on the cause. In many cases, no treatment is needed – just avoiding triggers is enough. If palpitations are due to an underlying heart condition, your doctor will treat that condition.
Self-care at home
- Reduce or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Find ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Get enough sleep and rest.
- Stay hydrated and eat regular, balanced meals.
- Avoid strenuous exercise if it triggers your symptoms.
Medical treatments
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, and if palpitations are caused by a heart rhythm problem, a doctor may prescribe medicines that help control the heart rate or rhythm. These medicines are called antiarrhythmics. In some cases, a procedure called catheter ablation may be done to correct the problem. Always follow your doctor's advice and do not change or stop any medication without talking to them.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is rarely needed for palpitations. In severe cases of certain heart rhythm problems, a device like a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be placed. Your doctor will discuss these options if they are appropriate for you.
Living with this condition
Most people with harmless palpitations live normal, healthy lives. Pay attention to what triggers your palpitations and try to avoid those triggers. Keep a symptom diary to share with your doctor.
Lifestyle tips
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness.
- Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and energy drinks.
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Get regular, moderate exercise (like walking) unless it bothers your heart.
- Make sure you get enough sleep each night.
Diet and exercise
Eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid large meals and too much sugar. For exercise, start slowly and build up. If exercise triggers your palpitations, talk to your doctor before continuing.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Heart palpitations can be frightening and may cause anxiety. Anxiety can then make palpitations happen more often. It's important to know that most palpitations are not dangerous. If you feel anxious about them, consider speaking to a counsellor or therapist.
Prevention
You can reduce your chance of getting palpitations by avoiding triggers like stress, too much caffeine, alcohol, and lack of sleep. Staying physically active and eating a balanced diet also help. However, some palpitations caused by medical conditions may not be preventable.
Vaccines
There are no vaccines to prevent heart palpitations.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening for palpitations. If you have risk factors or a family history of heart rhythm problems, your doctor may recommend a check-up even if you have no symptoms.
Complications
If left untreated
- In most cases, untreated harmless palpitations do not cause complications.
- If palpitations are caused by an underlying heart condition that is not treated, it can lead to more serious problems like atrial fibrillation, stroke, or heart failure.
- Repeated fainting spells can lead to injuries from falls.
Long-term outlook
For the vast majority of people, heart palpitations are not dangerous and go away on their own or with simple lifestyle changes. Even if you have an underlying heart condition, treatments are very effective and allow people to lead full, active lives.
Find support
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Local organisations
- NHS (UK) ↗ · United Kingdom
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 16, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.
Guidance may differ by country or region. Confirm local recommendations with a qualified healthcare provider.