palpitations with fever

Overview

Palpitations with fever means feeling your heart beating fast, fluttering, or pounding while also having a high body temperature. This can happen when your body is fighting an infection or dealing with another illness. Often it is not serious, but sometimes it can be a sign of a problem with your heart or blood.

Yes, it is quite common. Many people experience a fast or pounding heartbeat when they have a fever, especially if the fever is high or if they are dehydrated.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with existing heart conditions, older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling your heart racing, fluttering, or pounding in your chest
• A high temperature (fever) – usually above 38°C (100.4°F)
• Sweating, chills, or feeling hot and cold
• Feeling tired or weak
• Headache or body aches

Symptoms in children

• Fussiness or crying more than usual
• Not feeding or drinking well
• Hot, flushed skin
• Rapid breathing or fast pulse
• Being less active or sleepy

Symptoms in older adults

• A sudden increase in heart rate or feeling of irregular heartbeat
• Confusion or feeling dizzy
• Shortness of breath with minimal activity
• Fever that may be lower than in younger adults
• Fainting or nearly fainting

Causes

Main causes

• Infections – such as flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or sepsis
• Dehydration – not drinking enough fluids when you have a fever
• Fever itself – a high temperature can make your heart beat faster to help cool your body
• Anxiety or stress – feeling unwell can make your heart race
• Medications – some cold or fever medicines can cause palpitations
• Heart infections like myocarditis (inflammation of heart muscle) or endocarditis (infection of heart valves)

Risk factors

• Having a pre-existing heart condition (e.g., arrhythmia, heart failure, valve disease)
• Being very young (under 2) or over 65 years old
• Having a weakened immune system (e.g., from chemotherapy, diabetes, or HIV)
• Recent surgery or a medical device (like a pacemaker or central line)
• Intravenous drug use (can lead to heart infections)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have palpitations with fever and chest pain, trouble breathing, or fainting – call your local emergency number immediately.
• You have a fever over 40°C (104°F) or a fever that does not come down with simple measures.
• You have a known heart condition and notice new or worsening palpitations.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have mild palpitations with a low-grade fever and no other worrying symptoms – see your doctor within a day or two.
• The palpitations continue after the fever is gone for more than a day.
• You are unsure if your symptoms need attention – call your local health service (like NHS 111) for advice.

Diagnosis

A doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, checking your temperature, and listening to your heart and lungs. They may also check your blood pressure and pulse. Based on that, they may order tests to look for an infection or heart problem.

Tests that may be done

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a quick, painless test that records your heart's rhythm and can show if it is beating normally.
• Blood tests – to check for signs of infection (like high white blood cells), inflammation, and to see how your heart is working.
• Chest X-ray – to look for lung infections or fluid around the heart.
• Echocardiogram (echo) – an ultrasound of your heart to check its structure and function.
• Holter monitor – a portable ECG you wear for 24 to 48 hours to catch any rhythm problems that come and go.

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are quick and painless. If an infection is found, your doctor will treat it. If a heart problem is suspected, you may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist). They will explain everything and answer your questions.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause. If a bacterial infection is causing the fever, antibiotics may be prescribed. If it's a virus, rest and fluids are usually enough. The palpitations often stop once the fever goes down and you are rehydrated. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Self-care at home

• Rest – your body needs energy to fight the infection.
• Drink plenty of fluids – water, herbal tea, or clear soups to prevent dehydration.
• Keep cool – take off extra layers, use a damp cloth on your forehead, or take a lukewarm bath.
• Use fever-reducing medicines as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist – never exceed the dose.
• Monitor your temperature and pulse – note any changes and tell your doctor.

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medications to treat the infection (antibiotics for bacterial infections) or to help control heart rhythm if needed. They may also recommend intravenous fluids if you are dehydrated. Always take medicines exactly as prescribed and never stop without talking to your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for palpitations with fever. It might be considered if there is a serious heart infection (like endocarditis) that does not respond to antibiotics, or if a heart device (like a pacemaker) is infected and needs to be removed.

Living with this condition

While you recover, take it easy. Listen to your body – if you feel tired, rest. Check your temperature and pulse a few times a day and note any changes. Keep in touch with your doctor, especially if symptoms get worse or new ones appear.

Lifestyle tips

• Get plenty of sleep to help your immune system fight the infection.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine – they can make palpitations worse or disrupt your sleep.
• Wash your hands often to avoid spreading or catching infections.
• Stay up to date with recommended vaccines (like flu and COVID-19).

Diet and exercise

Eat light, nutritious meals when you feel hungry. Soups, fruits, and vegetables are good. Staying hydrated is very important – aim for at least 6-8 glasses of water a day if you have a fever. Avoid heavy exercise until you are fully recovered and your fever is gone. Gentle movement (like walking) can help once you feel better, but stop if it makes your heart race.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having palpitations can be scary, and being ill with a fever can make you feel anxious or down. It's normal to worry. Talk to your family or friends about how you feel. If anxiety becomes overwhelming, speak to your doctor – they can offer support or refer you to a mental health professional.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent infections, but you can lower your risk. Good hygiene, staying hydrated, and keeping your vaccines up to date help. If you have a heart condition, managing it well and taking your medications as prescribed can reduce the chance of palpitations with fever.

Vaccines

Getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and other infections can help prevent fevers and the complications they can cause. Talk to your doctor or local clinic about which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

If you have a family history of heart problems or you have risk factors (like high blood pressure or diabetes), regular check-ups with your doctor can catch issues early. There is no specific screening test for palpitations with fever – it's about staying on top of your general health.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration – can worsen palpitations and lead to more serious problems.
• Sepsis – a life-threatening response to a severe infection that can cause organ failure.
• Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) that may require treatment.
• Heart failure – if the infection affects the heart muscle or valves over time.
• Endocarditis – an infection of the heart lining or valves that can be very serious.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is usually very good. Most people recover fully from palpitations with fever once the underlying infection is treated and they rest and rehydrate. Even when a more serious heart problem is involved, early medical care offers excellent chances for a full recovery. With proper treatment and follow-up, the vast majority of people return to their normal activities.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.