palpitations complications awareness

Overview

Palpitations are the feeling that your heart is pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly. You may feel these sensations in your chest, throat, or neck. Most palpitations are harmless and go away on their own, but sometimes they can be a sign of an underlying heart rhythm problem. Being aware of possible complications can help you know when to get medical advice.

Yes, palpitations are very common. Many people experience them at some point in their lives, and most are not due to a dangerous heart condition.

Palpitations can affect anyone, but they're more likely in adults, especially those with anxiety, heart disease, thyroid conditions, or high caffeine or alcohol intake. They can also occur in children and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A racing or fast-beating heart
• A fluttering feeling in the chest or throat
• Skipped beats or a feeling that the heart stopped briefly
• A pounding or thumping sensation in the neck or chest

Symptoms in children

• Saying their heart is 'beating too fast'
• Looking pale or sweaty
• Complaining of chest discomfort
• Feeling unusually tired or dizzy during play

Symptoms in older adults

• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Sudden weakness or trouble catching breath
• Confusion or an unexplained fall
• Palpitations that feel irregular, not just fast

Causes

Main causes

• Stress or anxiety
• Caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine
• Fever or dehydration
• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Low blood count (anaemia)
• Certain medications and supplements (for example, some asthma inhalers or cold remedies)
• Heart rhythm problems, such as arrhythmias

Risk factors

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease (including a previous heart attack)
• Family history of heart rhythm problems
• Type 2 diabetes
• Older age

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have palpitations along with chest pain, fainting, or severe breathlessness, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If palpitations are new, irregular, or last a long time, seek same-day medical advice.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have frequent palpitations, or they last more than a few seconds each time.
• If palpitations worry you, or you have heart disease risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• If you notice a clear trigger that you cannot manage on your own.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, when you notice them, and whether you have any other health conditions. They will also listen to your heart and check your pulse. Tests may be needed to look for an underlying heart rhythm problem.

Tests that may be done

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a painless test that records your heart's electrical signals
• Holter monitor – a portable ECG you wear for 24 to 48 hours to catch unusual rhythms
• Event recorder – a small device you wear longer, and you press a button when you feel palpitations
• Blood tests – to check thyroid hormones, electrolyte levels, and for anaemia
• Echocardiogram – an ultrasound scan that takes detailed pictures of your heart

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to keep a diary of your palpitations, noting what you were doing, how you felt, and how long each episode lasted. If your doctor recommends a monitor, you will wear it for a set period, then return it to have the information read. These tests are painless and are done to find the cause of your symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for palpitations depends on the cause. If a trigger like caffeine or stress is behind them, avoiding that trigger may be enough. If an underlying heart condition is found, your doctor will discuss the best way to treat that condition.

Self-care at home

• Reduce or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and energy drinks
• Stop smoking and avoid nicotine products
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness
• Stay well hydrated – drink enough water during the day
• Get enough sleep and keep a regular routine
• Avoid over-the-counter cold and cough medicines that may contain stimulants (check with your pharmacist)

Medical treatments

If a heart rhythm problem is causing your palpitations, a doctor may suggest medication to help control your heart rate or rhythm. They might also recommend an electrical cardioversion (a short procedure to restore a normal rhythm) or another treatment depending on your condition. Any medication or procedure will be chosen carefully for you – always ask about benefits and risks.

When is surgery considered?

For certain rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation, a common type of abnormal heart rhythm, a procedure called catheter ablation may be offered. This is a keyhole treatment where a doctor uses a thin tube to correct the electrical signals in your heart. It is not traditional surgery, but it does require a hospital stay and is only recommended for specific cases.

Living with this condition

Keep a simple record of your palpitations – when they happen, what you were doing, and how long they last. Share this with your doctor. If you take any medicines, keep an updated list with you. It may also help to tell a close friend or family member about your symptoms and what to do if you feel unwell.

Lifestyle tips

• Manage stress with regular physical activity, hobbies, or mindfulness
• Limit caffeine to smaller amounts, or stop if it triggers palpitations
• Avoid alcohol and recreational stimulant drugs
• Aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is good for your heart. Try to avoid very large meals, which can trigger palpitations in some people. Regular exercise is safe for most, but check with your doctor before starting a new programme – especially if you have a known heart condition.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with palpitations can make you anxious or worried about your heart. Anxiety itself can make palpitations more frequent. Talk to your doctor about your concerns, and ask about counseling or stress-management programmes if you feel you need extra support. You are not alone, and getting help for anxiety can also reduce your symptoms.

Prevention

Not all palpitations can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by keeping your heart healthy – stay active, eat well, manage stress, limit alcohol and caffeine, and follow up on conditions like high blood pressure or thyroid disease.

Complications

If left untreated

• Blood clots and stroke – more likely if an abnormal rhythm like atrial fibrillation goes undetected
• Heart failure – if the heart beats too fast for a long time, it can become weaker
• Cardiac arrest – a rare but life-threatening emergency where the heart stops beating properly

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with palpitations is very good. Many cases are harmless and resolve on their own. Even when palpitations are caused by an underlying heart rhythm problem, treatments are effective in controlling symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. Recognising warning signs early and getting medical advice is the best step toward protecting your heart.

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