Does heart failure cause palpitations?

Palpitations can feel like pounding, fluttering, skipped beats, or a heartbeat that suddenly becomes noticeable. In heart failure, an abnormal rhythm may reduce how effectively the heart fills or pumps. Other triggers include stress, fever, dehydration, caffeine, nicotine, thyroid problems, anaemia, and some medicines. Palpitations alone do not establish the cause. Details such as how they start, how long they last, whether the rhythm feels regular, and what symptoms accompany them can help a clinician assess the pattern.

Pause and sit safely while you notice the rhythm. Write down the time, activity, possible trigger, duration, and any breathlessness, dizziness, chest discomfort, or faint feeling. Arrange a medical review if episodes recur, last longer than usual, disturb sleep, or occur with a known heart condition. A clinician may check your pulse, review medicines, and arrange heart-rhythm monitoring or other tests.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain or pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, marked dizziness, confusion, or sudden weakness. Seek prompt medical advice for a sustained rapid or irregular heartbeat, new ankle swelling, or a clear worsening in exercise tolerance. Keep taking prescribed medicines as directed unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest a rhythm problem, whether any medicine or stimulant could be contributing, and whether you need an electrocardiogram or longer monitoring. Ask which symptoms should trigger emergency help and how to record episodes accurately.