palpitations workplace prevention
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Palpitations are the feeling that your heart is pounding, racing, fluttering, or missing a beat. You may feel this in your chest, throat, or neck. It can be alarming, but often it is harmless and goes away on its own. However, palpitations can sometimes point to a problem with the heart or another health condition, so it is important to understand what may trigger them and when to seek medical advice.
Key facts
- Most palpitations are harmless and short-lived.
- Common triggers include stress, caffeine, dehydration, and lack of sleep.
- You should see a doctor if palpitations happen often, last a long time, or come with other symptoms like chest pain or fainting.
Yes. Almost everyone experiences palpitations at some point. They are one of the most common reasons people visit their family doctor or a heart specialist.
Palpitations can happen to anyone, at any age. They are more common in people who are stressed, anxious, or sleep-deprived, and in those who consume a lot of caffeine, energy drinks, or alcohol. Some people are more sensitive to the feeling of their heartbeat, especially when resting.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Pain spreading to your arm, jaw, or back
- Feeling like you might pass out
- ⚠Palpitations that keep coming back
- ⚠Palpitations lasting more than a few minutes
- ⚠Palpitations with dizziness, light-headedness, or fatigue
- ⚠Palpitations that happen with new confusion or anxiety
Common symptoms
- A racing heartbeat
- A fluttering feeling in the chest
- A pounding or thumping feeling in the neck or throat
- A feeling that the heart has stopped or skipped a beat
- An irregular or uneven heartbeat
Causes
Main causes
- Stress and anxiety
- Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
- Lack of sleep or exhaustion
- Dehydration
- Alcohol or drug use (including nicotine)
- Hormone changes (such as pregnancy or thyroid problems)
- Some medications and supplements (ask your doctor or pharmacist)
Risk factors
- High stress at work or home
- Frequent use of stimulants (caffeine, energy drinks, diet pills)
- Not getting enough sleep
- Heart conditions, including coronary artery disease or heart failure
- Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium)
- History of anxiety or panic attacks
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- You have palpitations with chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath — call emergency services right away
- You have palpitations that last for several minutes or happen frequently throughout the day
- You have palpitations and a known heart condition (see your doctor as soon as possible)
Book a routine appointment if:
- You notice palpitations for the first time
- Palpitations are getting worse or happening more often
- Palpitations happen when you are resting or at night
- You want to understand your triggers and lower your risk
Diagnosis
To find out what is causing your palpitations, a doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and any triggers. They will also listen to your heart and check your pulse. You may need tests to see if your heart rhythm is normal.
Tests that may be done
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) — a quick, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart
- Holter monitor — a portable ECG you wear for 24 to 48 hours to catch irregular heartbeats
- Event recorder — a device you use for a few weeks to record your heart when you feel symptoms
- Blood tests — to check for anemia, thyroid problems, or electrolyte imbalances
- Echocardiogram — an ultrasound of your heart to check its structure and function
What to expect at your appointment
Your doctor will explain each test before you have it. Most tests are painless and done in a clinic or hospital. You will likely get results within a few days or weeks, depending on the test. If nothing serious is found, you can usually go back to your normal activities with some simple lifestyle changes.
Treatment
Treatment for palpitations depends on the cause. If they are triggered by stress, caffeine, or fatigue, the best approach is to change those triggers. If an underlying heart condition is found, your doctor will talk to you about the right treatment for you. The goal is to control symptoms and lower the risk of any complications.
Self-care at home
- Slow down and take a few deep breaths when you feel palpitations
- Avoid caffeine and energy drinks, especially during work hours
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated
- Take short breaks from your desk to stretch and walk around
- Try to keep a regular sleep schedule and aim for 7–9 hours of sleep
- Use a stress-management technique like mindfulness or progressive muscle relaxation
Medical treatments
If palpitations are caused by an underlying heart rhythm problem, a doctor may recommend medication to help control your heart rate or rhythm. Do not take any medication for palpitations without a prescription. Your doctor may also suggest treating an underlying condition, such as an overactive thyroid. Some people may benefit from a procedure called ablation, which uses a small catheter to correct a faulty electrical pathway in the heart. Your doctor will discuss the options and the benefits and risks with you.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is rarely needed for palpitations. In some cases, if a heart rhythm problem is severe, a doctor may recommend a procedure (such as ablation) to fix the cause. This is done in a hospital by a heart specialist.
Living with this condition
If you have palpitations, you can still live normally. The key is to learn what triggers yours and take steps to avoid them. Keep a simple diary of when palpitations happen — what you were doing, what you ate or drank, and how you felt. This can help you and your doctor spot patterns.
Lifestyle tips
- Manage stress with deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and energy drinks
- Stay physically active on most days, but avoid intense exercise if it triggers symptoms
- Take regular breaks, especially if you sit for long periods
- Quit smoking and avoid recreational drugs
Diet and exercise
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to avoid eating very large meals, which can sometimes trigger palpitations. Exercise is good for your heart, but start slowly and listen to your body. If exercise brings on palpitations, tell your doctor.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Palpitations can be frightening and may cause anxiety or fear of having a heart attack. That anxiety, in turn, can make palpitations worse. It may help to talk to a counsellor or psychologist if you feel overwhelmed. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, reach out to a crisis service or your local emergency number right away.
Prevention
You can lower your chances of having palpitations by avoiding common triggers. Create a calm workplace routine, sleep well, stay hydrated, and manage stress. But some heart conditions can cause palpitations even with a healthy lifestyle, so you cannot always prevent them. The best step is to know your body and get regular check-ups.
Vaccines
There is no vaccine for palpitations. However, staying up to date on recommended vaccines, like the flu vaccine, helps keep your heart healthy and reduces your risk of infections that could affect your heart.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening for palpitations. If you have risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease, your doctor may check your heart health during regular visits. You can ask for a heart check-up any time you are worried.
Complications
If left untreated
- Palpitations that follow a harmless pattern may not cause any problems.
- If palpitations are caused by a serious heart rhythm problem, it could lead to fainting or, rarely, cardiac arrest.
- Chronic stress and anxiety from frequent palpitations can affect your sleep, work, and quality of life.
- Underlying conditions like atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke if left untreated.
Long-term outlook
The outlook for most people with palpitations is very good. Once your doctor confirms there is no serious heart problem, you can usually learn to manage or stop your palpitations with simple changes. Even when an underlying condition is found, treatment is available and effective. You are not alone — many people live full, active lives with palpitations.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- NHS ↗ · 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.