What should you know about extrasystole fatigue?

An extrasystole is an early heartbeat followed by a pause, which may feel like a flutter, thud, skipped beat, or brief sensation of the heart stopping. Some people notice fatigue after worrying about palpitations or sleeping poorly, while others have a separate reason for low energy. Anaemia, dehydration, viral illness, stress, alcohol, and thyroid or heart conditions can all be relevant. Fatigue itself does not show that extrasystoles are the cause.

Keep a simple record of when palpitations and fatigue occur, including sleep, exertion, caffeine, alcohol, illness, and medicines. Drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has advised restriction, prioritise sleep, and avoid excess stimulants. Arrange a GP assessment if episodes are frequent, new, associated with reduced exercise tolerance, or continuing despite rest. The clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, heart rhythm, medicines, and possible causes of fatigue; an electrocardiogram or other monitoring may be considered.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, new confusion, or sudden weakness. Seek prompt care for a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat, especially if you have known heart disease. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or seriously unwell.

Ask whether the rhythm has been documented, whether fatigue needs blood tests, which triggers to avoid, whether your medicines or supplements matter, and what symptoms should prompt urgent help.