Palpitations are the sensation of feeling your heartbeat unusually strongly, quickly, slowly, or irregularly. A person may describe palpitations as a feeling that the heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, skipping a bea
Palpitations are the sensation of feeling your heartbeat unusually strongly, quickly, slowly, or irregularly. A person may describe palpitations as a feeling that the heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, skipping a beat, or beating unevenly. The sensation may be noticed in the chest, throat, or neck and can last for a few seconds, several minutes, or sometimes longer.
Palpitations are common and are not always a sign of a serious heart problem. They can occur after exercise, during stress or anxiety, after consuming caffeine, or when a person is tired or dehydrated. Some people notice their heartbeat more clearly when lying quietly or trying to sleep.
In some cases, however, palpitations are caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called an arrhythmia. Heart rhythm problems can range from harmless occasional extra beats to conditions that require medical treatment.
Palpitations can occur at any age. The importance of the symptom depends on its pattern, duration, frequency, associated symptoms, and the person's overall health. Palpitations accompanied by chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or severe dizziness require urgent medical attention.
Emotional stress, anxiety, fear, or panic can activate the body's natural "fight-or-flight" response. This can increase heart rate and make the heartbeat feel stronger or more noticeable.
People may also experience sweating, trembling, rapid breathing, dizziness, or a feeling of intense fear.
Physical activity naturally increases the heart rate. During strenuous exercise, a person may become more aware of their heartbeat.
Normal exercise-related increases generally settle after rest. However, palpitations that are unusually intense, irregular, or associated with chest pain or fainting should be evaluated.
Caffeine found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola, and some supplements can stimulate the nervous system and cause palpitations in sensitive individuals.
Reducing caffeine intake may help if it consistently triggers symptoms.
Dehydration can affect blood volume and electrolyte balance and may cause the heart to beat faster or more noticeably.
Palpitations may occur with thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, or reduced urination.
Poor sleep or significant sleep deprivation can increase stress hormones and make some people more aware of their heartbeat.
Maintaining a regular and adequate sleep schedule may help reduce episodes.
A fever can increase the body's metabolic demands and cause the heart rate to rise. Palpitations may therefore occur during infections or other illnesses associated with elevated body temperature.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can increase heart rate or cause palpitations as a side effect. Examples may include certain decongestants, asthma medicines, thyroid medicines, and stimulants.
Anyone who develops persistent palpitations after starting a new medicine should discuss the symptom with a healthcare professional rather than stopping prescribed treatment independently.
Nicotine can stimulate the cardiovascular system and temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure. Smoking and other nicotine exposure may therefore contribute to palpitations.
Palpitations can occur with several medical conditions. The symptom alone does not confirm an underlying heart disorder.
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Some arrhythmias cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly.
Examples include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and certain ventricular rhythm abnormalities.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm originating in the upper chambers of the heart. It may cause a racing or irregular heartbeat, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or reduced exercise tolerance.
Some people have no obvious symptoms and discover the condition during a medical examination.
Supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, is a rapid heartbeat originating above the heart's lower chambers. Episodes may begin and stop suddenly.
A person may experience a very fast heartbeat, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness, or dizziness.
An overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, can increase the heart rate and cause palpitations.
Other symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, increased sweating, heat intolerance, nervousness, tremors, and difficulty sleeping.
Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen efficiently. The heart may compensate by beating faster, which can result in noticeable heartbeats.
Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath may occur as well.
Electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium help regulate normal heart function. Significant abnormalities may contribute to abnormal heart rhythms and palpitations.
Electrolyte problems can occur because of dehydration, certain medicines, kidney problems, vomiting, diarrhea, or other medical conditions.
Certain heart valve disorders can affect how blood flows through the heart and may cause palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest discomfort.
Various cardiovascular conditions can cause palpitations. People with known heart disease should discuss new or worsening episodes with their healthcare provider.
Palpitations may occur alone or alongside other symptoms. Common associated symptoms include:
The duration and pattern of symptoms can be useful when determining the possible cause.
A person should consult a doctor if palpitations are new, frequent, persistent, or becoming more intense. Medical evaluation is particularly important when episodes occur without an obvious trigger or repeatedly interfere with daily activities.
People with a personal or family history of heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, or sudden cardiac death should take recurrent palpitations seriously.
Medical evaluation may also be appropriate when palpitations occur with unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, or reduced exercise tolerance.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if palpitations occur with:
These symptoms can indicate a serious heart rhythm problem or another medical emergency.
Doctors usually ask about when the palpitations started, how long they last, how often they occur, and whether the heartbeat feels fast, slow, irregular, or like it is skipping.
They may ask about exercise, stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, medications, recreational substances, sleep, hydration, and existing medical conditions.
A physical examination may include checking the pulse, blood pressure, heart, and lungs.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is commonly used to evaluate the heart's electrical activity. If palpitations are intermittent and do not occur during a clinic visit, a portable monitor such as a Holter monitor or event monitor may be recommended.
Blood tests may be performed to look for conditions such as anemia, thyroid problems, or electrolyte abnormalities.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Occasional palpitations caused by stress, caffeine, dehydration, or lack of sleep may improve when the trigger is addressed.
If an arrhythmia is responsible, treatment may include medicines, specialized procedures, or other interventions depending on the specific rhythm problem.
Underlying conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders, or electrolyte abnormalities require treatment directed at the cause.
People should not start heart-rhythm medicines or supplements without medical guidance.
Certain lifestyle measures may reduce palpitations in people whose symptoms are triggered by modifiable factors:
Stay adequately hydrated.
Limit caffeine if it triggers symptoms.
Avoid smoking and nicotine.
Get adequate sleep.
Manage stress through relaxation and healthy routines.
Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
Follow prescribed treatment for existing medical conditions.
Keep track of when palpitations occur and what happened before an episode.
A symptom diary can be useful. Recording the time, duration, activity, food or drink intake, and associated symptoms may help a healthcare professional identify possible triggers.
An increased heart rate during exercise is normal. However, palpitations that feel unusually irregular or are accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or significant shortness of breath should not be ignored.
If symptoms repeatedly occur during exercise, stop the activity and seek medical advice before continuing strenuous exercise.
Anxiety is a common trigger for palpitations. Stress hormones can make the heart beat faster and more forcefully, creating a noticeable pounding sensation.
However, not every episode of palpitations is caused by anxiety. If the symptoms are new, severe, recurrent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, medical evaluation is important.
Once serious medical causes have been assessed, stress-management techniques, breathing exercises, adequate sleep, and professional support may help people whose palpitations are strongly associated with anxiety.
Changes in blood volume and hormone levels during pregnancy can increase heart rate and make heartbeats more noticeable. Occasional palpitations may therefore occur.
However, persistent or severe palpitations during pregnancy, especially when accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or dizziness, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Not all causes of palpitations can be prevented, but healthy habits may reduce episodes for some people.
Maintaining adequate hydration, getting regular sleep, avoiding excessive stimulants, not smoking, and managing stress can support cardiovascular health.
People with known heart conditions should follow their prescribed treatment plan and attend regular medical appointments.
Palpitations are sensations of a heartbeat that feels unusually fast, strong, fluttering, pounding, or irregular. They are common and can occur because of stress, anxiety, exercise, caffeine, dehydration, lack of sleep, fever, nicotine, or certain medicines.
However, palpitations can also be associated with medical conditions such as arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, hyperthyroidism, anemia, electrolyte abnormalities, heart valve disorders, and other heart diseases.
Occasional mild palpitations may not be dangerous, but new, frequent, persistent, or unexplained episodes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Seek emergency medical attention if palpitations occur with severe chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, severe dizziness, confusion, or a very rapid heartbeat that does not settle.
Keeping track of triggers and associated symptoms can help with diagnosis. Proper evaluation is especially important for people with existing heart conditions or other cardiovascular risk factors.
Seek immediate medical attention if palpitations is severe, sudden, or accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, loss of consciousness, or severe bleeding.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call emergency services immediately.