When to worry about heart palpitations

What are heart palpitations? Are they dangerous?

Palpitations are something that most of us experience at times. They usually feel like a fluttering or pounding sensation in your chest, like the heart is racing. This often passes quickly, but for some people these episodes may last a bit longer.

Palpitations can feel scary, so it’s normal to worry or feel anxious when you have them. But palpitations are usually harmless and often feel more serious than they are.

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When should I speak to my GP?

If you’re experiencing what feels like frequent or prolonged episodes of palpitations, or you’re also having symptoms such as chest pain or dizziness when you have these episodes, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP.

Palpitations can feel scary, so it’s normal to worry or feel anxious when you have them.

They can organise some tests to check whether these are harmless palpitations or a sign of a heart rhythm problem, support you with managing your palpitations or refer you to a specialist if needed.

Learning to cope with heart palpitations

Many people live a normal life with palpitations, but some people may need some help to learn how to live with them.

This may be talking therapies to help manage any anxiety the palpitations cause, or sometimes medication may be prescribed if the palpitations are interfering with you living a normal life.

Speak to your GP if you are feeling worried about heart palpitations, or want support learning to manage them.