What should you know about continuous heart palpitations?

Palpitations are an awareness of your heartbeat as racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping. Common triggers include stress, poor sleep, caffeine, nicotine, fever, dehydration, and some medicines. Anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, hypoglycaemia, an overactive thyroid, and generalised anxiety disorder can also make the heartbeat feel more noticeable. A rhythm problem such as atrial fibrillation may cause an irregular pulse. Heart failure is another condition a clinician may consider when palpitations occur with swelling, breathlessness, or unusual tiredness. A symptom does not identify one diagnosis by itself.

Stop strenuous activity and sit quietly while you notice whether the rhythm feels regular or uneven. Note when the sensation began, whether it is continuous, possible triggers, and any accompanying symptoms. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, recreational drugs, and decongestants until you have advice. Drink fluids if dehydration may be involved, unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. Arrange a prompt medical assessment; an examination, pulse check, blood tests, and an electrocardiogram may help identify the cause.

Seek emergency help now for palpitations with chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, fainting, collapse, new confusion, or severe weakness. Urgent assessment is also appropriate if the heartbeat remains very fast or irregular and does not settle with rest. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unsafe.

Ask whether your pulse and electrocardiogram suggest a rhythm disorder, whether blood tests should check anaemia, glucose, or thyroid function, and which medicines or supplements could be contributing. Tell the clinician about heart disease in your family and bring a list of everything you take.