Does generalised anxiety disorder cause palpitations?

Anxiety releases stress hormones and increases attention to bodily sensations. You may notice pounding in the chest, fluttering in the throat, skipped beats, or a pulse that feels forceful during worry. Caffeine, nicotine, dehydration, fever, poor sleep, some medicines, thyroid problems, and heart rhythm disorders can cause similar sensations.

The pattern matters. Tell a clinician whether palpitations start at rest or with exertion, how long they last, whether the rhythm feels regular, and whether you have chest discomfort or faintness. A reassuring explanation still requires care when symptoms are new, changing, or disruptive.

Pause, sit down, and use calm, ordinary breathing while the sensation passes. Reduce stimulants if they trigger episodes, drink fluids, and keep a record of timing, activity, medicines, and associated symptoms. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice.

Book a healthcare appointment for recurrent palpitations, especially if they are becoming more frequent or occur during exercise. Assessment may include an examination and heart tracing, guided by your history.

Seek emergency care for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, marked dizziness, confusion, or a heartbeat that remains very fast or irregular and does not settle. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unwell.

Could anxiety explain this pattern, or should my heart rhythm, thyroid, medicines, or blood tests be checked? Which symptoms mean I should seek emergency help? Is there a safe way to reduce triggers?