Does iron deficiency anaemia cause palpitations?

Palpitations are an awareness of your heartbeat. It may feel fast, forceful, irregular, fluttering or as though a beat has been skipped. Anaemia can place extra demand on the heart because blood carries less oxygen. However, caffeine, anxiety, fever, dehydration, thyroid conditions and heart rhythm problems can also cause palpitations. A heartbeat sensation does not establish the cause without a clinical assessment.

Arrange a medical review for recurring or new palpitations, especially if you also have tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness or reduced stamina. Note when episodes happen, how long they last, what you were doing and whether stimulants or medicines were involved. A clinician may check your pulse, arrange heart rhythm testing, and use blood tests to look for anaemia or other contributors. Do not stop prescribed medication unless a clinician tells you to.

Call emergency services or seek urgent care for palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, marked dizziness, confusion or a sustained feeling of being very unwell. Urgent assessment is also needed after a major bleed or with black stools or vomiting blood. These features need evaluation regardless of whether iron deficiency is suspected.

Ask whether your symptoms need an electrocardiogram, blood tests or both, and whether there are signs of anaemia or another rhythm-related cause. Discuss the possible source of any iron deficiency and which symptoms should lead you to seek care sooner.