What should you know about daily heart palpitations?

Daily heart palpitations deserve attention because repeated racing, fluttering, pounding, or skipped beats can have many possible causes. They may occur with stress, stimulants, dehydration, low blood sugar, fever, hormonal changes, or some medicines, but an ongoing pattern can also reflect a heart rhythm or other medical problem. The sensation alone cannot identify the cause.

Notice whether the feeling starts suddenly or builds gradually, how long each episode lasts, whether the rhythm feels regular or uneven, and what you were doing at the time. Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, intense exercise, poor sleep, emotional strain, and decongestants can make the heartbeat more noticeable. Dehydration, anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, hyperthyroidism, and hypoglycaemia are other possibilities. Atrial fibrillation is one rhythm condition that can cause an irregular, fast heartbeat; palpitations can also occur alongside symptoms of heart failure, such as breathlessness or ankle swelling. These links describe possibilities, not a diagnosis.

Arrange a routine appointment if palpitations are happening daily, are becoming more frequent, or are interfering with sleep or activity. Keep a simple record of the time, duration, activity, drinks or medicines beforehand, and any accompanying symptoms. Until you are assessed, avoid excess caffeine, nicotine, recreational stimulants, and energy drinks; drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice. A clinician may check your pulse and blood pressure, review medicines and health history, and decide whether tests such as an electrocardiogram or blood tests are appropriate.

Seek emergency help now if palpitations are accompanied by chest pain or pressure, severe or new breathlessness, fainting, collapse, confusion, or marked weakness. Seek urgent assessment as well if a very fast or irregular heartbeat does not settle, or if symptoms begin during exertion and continue after you stop. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unsafe. If the episode has ended but these warning symptoms occurred, arrange prompt medical review.

Ask: Could a medicine, supplement, stimulant, thyroid problem, anaemia, or blood sugar change be contributing? Does my pulse feel regular during an episode? Would an electrocardiogram or a longer heart-rhythm monitor help? Which symptoms should prompt emergency care for me? Bring your symptom record and a complete list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements.