palpitations on one side

Overview

Palpitations on one side is when you feel your heart beating in a way that seems stronger or more noticeable on one side of your chest. This can feel like a flutter, a thump, or a racing sensation. It is usually not a sign of a serious problem, but it is important to check with a doctor to be sure.

Yes, many people experience palpitations at some point in their lives. Feeling them on one side is a common variation.

Palpitations can affect people of all ages, but they are more frequent in young adults, women, and people who are anxious or under stress.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A fluttering or pounding feeling in your chest
• A sensation that your heart is skipping a beat
• A racing heartbeat that you feel more on one side
• Brief thumping or jumping sensations in the neck or chest

Symptoms in children

• Children may complain of a ‘funny feeling’ in their chest
• They might seem more tired or fussy than usual
• Sometimes they may say their heart is ‘going fast’

Symptoms in older adults

• Palpitations may come with dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath
• They might feel more tired than usual
• Sometimes chest discomfort or a sense of unease

Causes

Main causes

• Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
• Caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol
• Dehydration or lack of sleep
• Hormonal changes (like during pregnancy or menopause)
• Medications (such as decongestants or asthma inhalers)
• Underlying heart conditions (like arrhythmias or heart valve problems)

Risk factors

• High levels of stress or anxiety
• Use of stimulants (caffeine, energy drinks, illegal drugs)
• Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium)
• Heart disease or a family history of heart problems
• Thyroid disorders

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have palpitations along with chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath, call your local emergency number right away.
• If your palpitations are new, very frequent, or last a long time, see a doctor within a day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have occasional palpitations that go away quickly and you feel fine otherwise, make a routine appointment with your doctor.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you, and listen to your heart. They may order tests to see what is causing the palpitations.

Tests that may be done

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a quick recording of your heart’s electrical activity
• Holter monitor – a portable device you wear for 24 hours to track your heart rhythm
• Event monitor – a device you use for weeks to record symptoms when they happen
• Blood tests – to check your thyroid, electrolytes, and overall health
• Echocardiogram – an ultrasound of your heart to look for structural problems

What to expect at your appointment

Most of the time, palpitations turn out to be harmless. Your doctor will help you identify triggers and rule out serious causes. You may be asked to keep a diary of when your palpitations happen.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. If your palpitations are harmless, you may not need any treatment. If they are due to an arrhythmia or other condition, your doctor will recommend the best approach for you.

Self-care at home

• Reduce or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and energy drinks
• Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Stay well hydrated and get enough sleep
• Keep a diary of your palpitations to identify triggers

Medical treatments

If needed, doctors may prescribe medicines that help control heart rate or rhythm. These are called antiarrhythmic drugs. Other options include electrical cardioversion (a controlled shock to reset the heart rhythm) or catheter ablation (a procedure to destroy tiny areas of heart tissue causing abnormal signals). Your doctor will discuss which option is suitable for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for palpitations alone. It may be considered if medicines do not work and a specific arrhythmia is found, such as atrial fibrillation or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Living with this condition

Most people with harmless palpitations live normally. Keep a log of your symptoms and note what you were doing when they happened. This can help you and your doctor find patterns.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid known triggers like too much caffeine or lack of sleep
• Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise or talking to a friend
• Do not smoke or use recreational drugs

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your heart. Regular, moderate exercise like walking or swimming can help reduce palpitations, but avoid extreme exertion if you are feeling symptoms. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Worrying about palpitations can actually make them worse. It is common to feel anxious or frightened. Relaxation techniques and speaking with a healthcare provider can help you feel more in control.

Prevention

Not all palpitations can be prevented, but a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk. Eating well, staying active, managing stress, and avoiding triggers can help reduce how often they happen.

Screening programmes

If you have a family history of heart rhythm problems, your doctor may suggest an ECG to check your heart’s electrical activity even if you have no symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• If palpitations are caused by a serious arrhythmia, not treating it could lead to a stroke or heart failure.
• Severe arrhythmias can cause fainting or falls.
• Rarely, untreated arrhythmias can cause cardiac arrest.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally very good. Most palpitations are harmless and go away on their own or with simple lifestyle changes. If a heart condition is found, treatments are effective and many people lead full, active lives.

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