Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations explained

What do heart palpitations feel like?

Palpitations feel like your heart is racing, pounding, fluttering or like you have missed heartbeats. Palpitations can last seconds or minutes but they sometimes last longer. You may feel this in your chest, neck, or throat.  They can be set off by things like stress, exercise, medicine or they can be caused by a medical condition.

Palpitations can happen at anytime, even if you are resting or doing normal activities. Although they can be unpleasant, palpitations are common and, in most cases, harmless.

Causes

What causes heart palpitations?

Palpitations can be caused by heart conditions including:

• arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
• cardiomyopathy
• congenital heart conditions
• heart attack
• heart failure
• heart valve disease.

Other causes of palpitations include:

• alcohol
• caffeine
• certain medicines (both prescription and over-the-counter)
• ectopic beats (early or extra heartbeats)
• hormonal changes (due to pregnancy or menopause)
• intense exercise
• recreational drugs
• smoking or vaping
• stress, anxiety or panic attacks
• triggering foods (such as spicy or rich food).

They can also be caused by other medical conditions like an overactive thyroid and anaemia (lack of iron).

When should I get help with heart palpitations?

You should make an appointment to see your GP if:

• your palpitations last a long time, don't improve or get worse
• you have a history of heart problems
• you're concerned about the palpitations.

You should call 999 if you have palpitations and experience any of the following symptoms:

• severe shortness of breath
• chest pain or tightness
• dizziness and light headedness
• fainting or blackouts.

Diagnosis

How are heart palpitations diagnosed?

Your GP may arrange for you to have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check whether the heart rate is regular and at a normal rate. This painless test lasts a few minutes.

If your ECG shows something abnormal, or your symptoms continue to bother you, you may need to have further tests or heart monitoring over a longer period. Visit our ECG page or speak to your doctor if you're worried about having tests.

Treatment

How are heart palpitations treated?

As palpitations are often harmless, they usually do not need treatment. However, you'll need treatment if tests show your palpitations are caused by an underlying heart condition.

The type of treatment you'll have depends on your condition. For example, if you're diagnosed with an arrhythmia, your doctor might prescribe beta blockers to control your heart rate and rhythm.

How can I manage my heart palpitations?

If you don't need treatment, the easiest way to manage your symptoms at home is to avoid the triggers that bring on your palpitations. This might include:

• avoiding or drinking less caffeinated drinks
• drinking less or having no alcohol (no more than the recommended limit of 14 units a week)
• avoiding foods and activities that trigger palpitations (try keeping a symptom diary so you can recognise and avoid triggers)
• managing your stress levels
• not smoking or using tobacco products.

Get support

• Speak to our cardiac nurses by phone, callback, email or online chat on Heart Helpline (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
• Join our community on HealthUnlocked - a free online space for people with cardiovascular disease to share experiences and get support from one another.
• Sign up to our Heart Matters magazine for online information packed with health and lifestyle information.