Dry cough and heart palpitations: what to know

Palpitations may feel like pounding, fluttering, skipped beats, or a racing pulse. Fever, dehydration, low blood sugar, anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, and some cold medicines can make the heartbeat more noticeable. Anaemia and Iron Deficiency Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery and cause tiredness, breathlessness, or a faster heartbeat. Hyperthyroidism may cause heat intolerance, tremor, weight change, and palpitations. Atrial Fibrillation can produce an irregular rhythm. Heart Failure may cause a persistent cough, breathlessness, ankle swelling, or difficulty lying flat. These symptoms do not establish a diagnosis; an examination and sometimes an electrocardiogram or blood tests are needed.

Sit quietly, breathe slowly, and note whether the heartbeat feels regular or irregular, how long it lasts, and what you were doing beforehand. Drink fluids unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. Avoid excess caffeine, nicotine, energy drinks, and decongestants until you have advice. Arrange medical review for new, recurrent, or persistent palpitations, especially with breathlessness, fatigue, swelling, or faint feelings. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, and recent illnesses.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion, new weakness on one side, or a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat. Seek same-day advice if episodes keep returning, last longer than expected, begin during exertion, or occur with swelling, marked fatigue, or worsening cough. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unsafe.

Could a medicine, dehydration, anaemia, thyroid condition, or rhythm problem explain this? Should I have an electrocardiogram or blood tests? Which symptoms mean I should seek emergency help?