palpitations and family life

Overview

Palpitations are the feeling of your heart beating fast, fluttering, or skipping a beat. It might feel like your heart is pounding in your chest, throat, or neck. In most cases, palpitations are harmless, but they can be upsetting and worrying.

Yes. Palpitations are very common. Most people experience them at some point in their lives, and they are a frequent reason for visiting a doctor.

Palpitations can affect people of all ages, including children and older adults. They are more often noticed during times of stress, after exercise, or when you are resting quietly.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A feeling that your heart is racing or pounding
• A fluttering sensation in your chest
• Your heart seems to skip a beat or pause briefly
• A feeling in your throat or neck that your heart is beating strongly

Symptoms in children

• Children may describe palpitations as their heart 'jumping' or 'fluttering'.
• They often happen during exercise, excitement, or after drinking fizzy drinks with caffeine.
• In most cases, they are harmless, but talk to your child's doctor if they happen often or cause fainting.

Symptoms in older adults

• Palpitations in older adults may be linked to heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation.
• They might also happen with dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort.
• Older adults should check with their doctor, especially if they have high blood pressure or heart disease.

Causes

Main causes

• Stress, anxiety, or strong emotions
• Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or recreational drugs
• Physical exercise or intense activity
• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or the menopause
• Some medicines, including cold remedies and asthma inhalers (always check the leaflet)
• Underlying heart conditions, thyroid problems, or low blood sugar

Risk factors

• Anxiety or panic disorder
• High blood pressure or heart disease
• Thyroid overactivity (hyperthyroidism)
• Low potassium or magnesium levels
• Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake
• Lack of sleep or extreme stress

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Palpitations happen with chest pain, fainting, or severe breathlessness – call your local emergency number now.
• Palpitations are very fast and do not settle within a few minutes, especially if you are older or have heart disease.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have palpitations regularly and want to find out why.
• Palpitations come with dizziness, tiredness, or shortness of breath that worries you.
• You are pregnant, have heart disease, or have another long-term condition.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they happen, and your medical history. They will also listen to your heart and check your pulse and blood pressure.

Tests that may be done

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a quick, painless test that records your heart's rhythm.
• Holter monitor – a portable ECG you wear for 24 to 48 hours to capture palpitations during normal life.
• Event monitor – a device you press when you feel palpitations, so the rhythm can be recorded at that moment.
• Blood tests – to check thyroid function, minerals, or other signs.
• Echocardiogram – an ultrasound scan to look at the structure of your heart, if needed.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may ask you to describe your palpitations and keep a diary of when they happen. If your heart rhythm looks normal on tests, they may reassure you that no treatment is needed. If a condition is found, they will explain the next steps.

Treatment

Treatment for palpitations depends on the cause. If they are triggered by stress, caffeine, or another non-heart issue, no specific treatment may be needed. If an underlying heart rhythm problem is found, your doctor will discuss options with you.

Self-care at home

• Cut back on caffeine, energy drinks, and alcohol.
• Practice slow, deep breathing when you notice palpitations.
• Make sure you get enough sleep and try to manage stress.
• Avoid smoking or using nicotine products.
• Stay hydrated, but avoid too many sugary drinks.

Medical treatments

If palpitations are caused by a heart rhythm problem, doctors may suggest medicines to control the rhythm or reduce triggers. For some conditions, a procedure like catheter ablation may be considered. Your doctor will talk through the risks and benefits based on your individual situation. Do not start or stop any medication without your doctor’s advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for palpitations. In specific heart rhythm conditions, a procedure such as catheter ablation may be used, but this is not open-heart surgery. Your specialist will advise if this is an option for you.

Living with this condition

For most people, palpitations do not affect daily life. You may want to keep a simple record of when they happen and what you were doing at the time. This can help you identify triggers and give your doctor useful information. It can also help to talk to family members about your symptoms, so they understand what you are experiencing – and it can ease your own worry.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to keep a regular sleep schedule.
• Learn relaxation techniques like mindfulness or gentle yoga.
• Limit caffeine, especially in the afternoon or evening.
• Avoid alcohol as a way to cope with stress.
• If you feel palpitations, sit down, breathe slowly, and wait for them to pass.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, is good for your heart and can reduce stress. If your palpitations are exercise-related, start gradually and check with your doctor before increasing intensity.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Palpitations can feel scary, and worrying about them can make them worse. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated, especially if they interfere with sleep or daily activities. Talking through your concerns with a doctor, a supporter, or a counsellor can help you manage this cycle.

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent palpitations, especially if they are linked to a heart condition. However, many palpitations are triggered by things you can control, such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, and lack of sleep. Avoiding your personal triggers can reduce how often they happen.

Complications

If left untreated

• Most palpitations go away on their own and cause no health problems.
• If palpitations are caused by an untreated heart rhythm problem, there is a small risk of fainting, falls, or stroke.
• Rarely, a very fast rhythm can stop the heart pumping effectively, which is a medical emergency.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with palpitations is very good. With a proper check-up, you can usually find out the cause and get the confidence to live a normal, active life. If treatment is needed, modern care can keep your heart rhythm under control.

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