palpitations overview for patients
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Palpitations are feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat. You might feel like your heart is skipping a beat, racing, or flip-flopping in your chest. They are usually not serious, but sometimes they can be a sign of a heart problem.
Key facts
- Most palpitations are harmless and go away on their own.
- They can happen at any age, even in healthy people.
- Common triggers include stress, caffeine, alcohol, and lack of sleep.
Yes, palpitations are very common. Most people have them at least once in their life.
Anyone can get palpitations, but they are more often noticed in younger people, pregnant women, and people who feel anxious. They are more likely to be a concern if you already have heart disease.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe shortness of breath
- Fainting (passing out) or near fainting
- Pain spreading to your arm, jaw, back, or neck
- Symptoms that last more than a few minutes or keep coming back
- ⚠Dizziness that does not go away quickly
- ⚠Confusion or feeling unusually tired
- ⚠Palpitations that happen with a very slow heartbeat
- ⚠Swelling in your legs or feet
Common symptoms
- A racing or pounding heartbeat
- A fluttering feeling in your chest or throat
- A feeling that your heart skipped a beat
- A noticeable thump in your neck or chest
Symptoms in children
- Children may say their heart feels like it is 'jumping' or going very fast.
- They might look pale or complain of tiredness.
- Palpitations can happen during fever or after excitement.
Symptoms in older adults
- Older adults may feel dizzy, short of breath, or have chest discomfort along with palpitations.
- They may already have conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
- Palpitations can be a warning sign of an irregular heartbeat that needs attention.
Causes
Main causes
- Stress, anxiety, or panic
- Caffeine, energy drinks, or alcohol
- Nicotine from smoking or vaping
- Lack of sleep or tiredness
- Vigorous exercise or physical exertion
- Fever or low blood sugar
- Anaemia (low iron in the blood)
- Overactive thyroid
- Some medicines, including cold remedies and asthma inhalers
- Heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation
Risk factors
- Existing heart disease or heart surgery
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- A family history of heart rhythm problems
- Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium)
- Frequent stress or anxiety
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you have palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, call your local emergency number immediately.
- If palpitations are very fast and do not settle within a few minutes, seek urgent medical help.
Book a routine appointment if:
- If you notice palpitations often, even if they go away quickly, book a check-up.
- If you have a history of heart disease and notice new or changed palpitations, see your doctor promptly.
- If palpitations are affecting your sleep or daily life, talk to your GP.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, check your pulse, listen to your heart, and ask about your lifestyle and medical history. They may also feel your neck and check your blood pressure.
Tests that may be done
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a quick, painless test that records your heart's electrical activity
- Holter monitor – a portable ECG you wear for 24 hours or longer to catch palpitations as they happen
- Event recorder – a device you can use for several weeks to record your heart rhythm when you feel palpitations
- Blood tests – to check for anaemia, thyroid problems, or electrolyte imbalances
- Echocardiogram – an ultrasound scan of your heart to look at its structure and function
What to expect at your appointment
The tests are painless and usually done in a clinic or hospital. You may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist). They will explain the results and let you know if you need any further care.
Treatment
Treatment for palpitations depends on the cause. If no heart problem is found, you may only need to avoid your triggers and manage stress. If a heart rhythm problem is causing your palpitations, your doctor will discuss the best options for you.
Self-care at home
- Cut down on caffeine, energy drinks, and alcohol
- Stop smoking and vaping
- Manage stress with breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle hobbies
- Get enough sleep and stick to a regular bedtime
- Drink plenty of water and avoid skipping meals
Medical treatments
If palpitations are caused by an underlying heart rhythm problem, doctors may use medicines to control your heart rate, or recommend procedures such as cardioversion (where the heart is given a controlled electric shock) or catheter ablation (where small areas of heart tissue are treated to stop abnormal rhythms). The choice depends on your specific condition and is made together with your heart specialist.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery for palpitations is rare and usually only considered if there is a structural heart issue, such as a valve problem, or if other treatments have not worked. Your specialist will explain why surgery might be recommended in your case.
Living with this condition
Keep a simple diary of your palpitations – what you were doing, how long they lasted, and any symptoms you felt. This can help you and your doctor understand your triggers and find the best way to manage them.
Lifestyle tips
- Stay active with moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling, unless your doctor advises otherwise
- Avoid stimulants such as nicotine, caffeine, and recreational drugs
- Learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation
- Keep a healthy weight and manage any long-term conditions like high blood pressure
Diet and exercise
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit alcohol and sugary drinks. Exercise regularly, but if you feel palpitations during exercise, slow down and tell your doctor if this keeps happening.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Palpitations can make you feel anxious, and anxiety can make palpitations worse. This can become a cycle. It is important to talk to your doctor or a counselor if stress or worry is affecting your everyday life. You do not have to manage it alone.
Prevention
You cannot always prevent palpitations, but you can lower your chances by avoiding common triggers like caffeine and stress, getting regular sleep, and looking after your overall heart health.
Screening programmes
If you have risk factors for heart disease, regular check-ups with your doctor – including blood pressure and blood tests – can help catch problems early and reduce the chance of palpitations becoming serious.
Complications
If left untreated
- Most palpitations have no complications and are harmless.
- If caused by a serious heart rhythm problem, untreated palpitations could lead to blood clots, stroke, or heart failure.
- In rare cases, a very fast rhythm may cause a sudden loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest.
- Seeking medical advice reduces these risks significantly.
Long-term outlook
For the vast majority of people, palpitations are not dangerous and do not affect life expectancy. With the right diagnosis, treatment, and healthy habits, most people are able to manage their palpitations and live a full and active life. Your doctor will be able to give you a clearer outlook based on your own health.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- NHS Heart and Circulatory Conditions ↗ · United Kingdom
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
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 31, 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.