Dizzy and Heart Racing

Palpitations may feel like pounding, fluttering, or skipped beats. They can occur with fear, pain, fever, caffeine, or exertion. [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/) reduces circulating fluid and may make the heart beat faster. [Hypoglycaemia](/conditions/hypoglycaemia/) can cause sweating, trembling, hunger, and light-headedness. Anaemia and [Hyperthyroidism](/conditions/hyperthyroidism/) can also present with a fast heartbeat and fatigue. An irregular rhythm such as [Atrial Fibrillation](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/) is one possible cause, but symptoms alone cannot identify it.

Stop exertion and sit or lie down. Take slow breaths, loosen tight clothing, and sip water if you can swallow safely. If you have diabetes and can check your glucose, follow your personal low-glucose plan. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and strenuous activity until the episode has passed. Note the start time, duration, pulse if available, triggers, and associated symptoms for a clinician.

Call emergency services for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new confusion, one-sided weakness, or a racing or irregular heartbeat with severe dizziness. Seek same-day medical advice when episodes recur, last longer than expected, start during exercise, or occur with swelling, marked fatigue, or known heart disease. An assessment may include an examination, an electrocardiogram, and blood tests.

Ask whether your pulse is fast, irregular, or both; whether medicines, caffeine, thyroid symptoms, anaemia, or glucose changes could contribute; and whether you need heart monitoring. Share your episode log and family history of rhythm problems.