Cough and palpitations: what should you know?

Palpitations are sensations such as racing, pounding, or fluttering. Coughing, fever, poor fluid intake, anxiety, caffeine, decongestants, and some inhalers can make the heartbeat feel more noticeable. Anaemia, thyroid overactivity, low blood sugar, or an abnormal rhythm can also present with palpitations. Heart failure may cause cough with breathlessness or swelling. The combination does not identify the cause, so timing and associated symptoms matter.

Stop and sit down when symptoms start. Note whether the heartbeat feels regular or irregular, what you were doing, how long it lasted, and any medicine, caffeine, illness, or missed meal beforehand. Sip fluids if you can and avoid stimulants. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice. Arrange a clinical review if episodes recur, last longer, or occur with reduced exercise tolerance.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion, or sudden weakness. Seek urgent assessment for a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat, coughing blood, or new breathlessness at rest. People with known heart disease or thyroid problems should seek advice promptly when this combination is new.

Could a medicine, dehydration, anaemia, thyroid problem, or rhythm change explain this? Should I have an ECG or blood tests? Which heart rate or symptoms mean I should seek emergency help?