palpitations with nausea
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Palpitations with nausea means feeling your heart beat in an unusual way — like it's racing, fluttering, or skipping beats — at the same time as feeling sick to your stomach. While often not serious, this combination can sometimes signal a medical emergency, so it's important to know when to get help.
Key facts
- Palpitations are very common and often harmless.
- Nausea can accompany palpitations due to anxiety, dehydration, or an underlying heart rhythm problem.
- If palpitations with nausea come with chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, call your local emergency number immediately.
Yes, both palpitations and nausea are common symptoms. Many people experience them together at some point, often due to stress, dehydration, or lifestyle factors.
It can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with anxiety, those who are dehydrated, or those with certain heart conditions. Women may experience palpitations with nausea more often during hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes
- Shortness of breath that does not go away with rest
- Fainting or nearly fainting
- Sudden severe headache with rapid heartbeat and nausea
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- ⚠Palpitations that happen very often or last a long time (more than a few minutes)
- ⚠Nausea that is severe and prevents you from keeping fluids down
- ⚠Dizziness that makes it hard to stand or walk
- ⚠A feeling that your heart is beating very irregularly, like it's flipping in your chest
Common symptoms
- A feeling that your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping beats
- Nausea or queasiness
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Mild chest discomfort or a sense of unease
Symptoms in children
- Children may describe their heart 'going boom-boom fast' and complain of a tummy ache or feeling sick.
- They might look pale, feel sweaty, or seem unusually tired.
Symptoms in older adults
- Older adults may feel palpitations as a fluttering or irregular heartbeat, often accompanied by nausea and a sense of unease.
- They may also experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or confusion.
Causes
Main causes
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or stress
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
- Caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine use
- Certain medications (ask your doctor or pharmacist)
- Heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation or tachycardia
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes
Risk factors
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease or history of heart attack
- Diabetes
- Anxiety or depression
- High stress lifestyle
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
- Being overweight or obese
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- You have chest pain, shortness of breath, or faint with the palpitations and nausea
- Your heart feels like it is racing or skipping beats very often
- You have a history of heart disease and these symptoms are new or getting worse
Book a routine appointment if:
- You have occasional palpitations with nausea that come and go quickly and are not accompanied by other serious symptoms
- You want to check if a medication you are taking could be causing the symptoms
- You have not had a check-up for a while and want to rule out any underlying condition
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and may perform a physical exam. They will check your pulse and listen to your heart and lungs. They may also order tests to monitor your heart rhythm.
Tests that may be done
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – a quick test that records your heart's electrical activity
- Holter monitor – a portable device you wear for 24 to 48 hours to track your heart rhythm
- Event recorder – a device you wear for up to a month that records your heart when you have symptoms
- Blood tests – to check for conditions like anemia, thyroid problems, or electrolyte imbalances
- Echocardiogram – an ultrasound of your heart to look at its structure and function
What to expect at your appointment
The doctor will likely start with a simple ECG. If your symptoms come and go, you may need to wear a portable heart monitor for a few days. Blood tests help rule out common causes. Most people leave the office with a clear plan and reassurance.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. For mild or infrequent symptoms, lifestyle changes and stress management may be enough. If an underlying heart rhythm problem is found, your doctor may recommend medications or procedures. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice.
Self-care at home
- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day
- Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
- Practice deep breathing or relaxation techniques when you feel anxious
- Get enough sleep and manage stress
- Eat regular meals to avoid low blood sugar
- Keep a diary of when symptoms occur to share with your doctor
Medical treatments
If a heart rhythm problem is diagnosed, doctors may prescribe medications to control the heart rate or rhythm. They may also recommend procedures like cardioversion (a controlled electric shock to reset the heart rhythm) or catheter ablation (a procedure to correct faulty electrical signals in the heart). Always discuss all options with your doctor.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is rarely needed for palpitations with nausea alone. In cases of severe heart rhythm problems that do not respond to medications, a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be considered. Your doctor will explain if this applies to you.
Living with this condition
Most people can live a normal life with occasional palpitations and nausea. Knowing what triggers your symptoms can help you avoid them. Keep an open line of communication with your doctor and do not hesitate to ask questions.
Lifestyle tips
- Practice stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or tai chi
- Stay active with moderate exercise, but check with your doctor first if you have a heart condition
- Avoid skipping meals and stay hydrated
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Get enough sleep (7–9 hours per night)
Diet and exercise
A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help. Avoid large, heavy meals that can trigger nausea. Regular moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling is good, but avoid intense exercise that brings on symptoms. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Dealing with scary symptoms like palpitations and nausea can cause anxiety or worry. It is normal to feel concerned. Talk to your doctor about your fears; they may offer reassurance or refer you to a mental health professional. If you are feeling overwhelmed, seek support (see below). If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, call your local emergency number immediately.
Prevention
You cannot always prevent palpitations with nausea, but you can reduce your risk by managing stress, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding triggers like too much caffeine or alcohol. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help catch any problems early.
Complications
If left untreated
- If caused by a serious arrhythmia, untreated palpitations can lead to weakened heart function over time
- Persistent nausea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
- If due to a heart attack or other cardiac event, delay in treatment can be life-threatening
Long-term outlook
Most cases of palpitations with nausea are not serious and improve with simple lifestyle changes or treatment. Even if a heart rhythm problem is found, treatments are often very effective. The key is to get evaluated so you can know what is causing your symptoms and get the right care. With proper management, most people lead full, active lives.
Find support
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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 22, 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.