What should you know about eye palpitations?

A small jumping feeling in the eyelid can occur with tiredness, stress, caffeine or eye strain. A racing, pounding, fluttering or irregular feeling in the chest, neck or throat is different. Heart palpitations can occur with dehydration, low blood sugar, anaemia, an overactive thyroid or anxiety. Less commonly, a rhythm problem such as [Atrial Fibrillation](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/) may be involved. Heart failure can also cause symptoms that deserve assessment, especially breathlessness or ankle swelling.

Note the exact location, time, duration, trigger and whether the rhythm feels regular. Reduce stimulants if they seem to trigger episodes, drink fluids when appropriate, and do not skip meals. Arrange a clinical review if the sensation keeps returning, lasts longer, or comes with dizziness. A clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, medicines and possible causes such as [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/) or [Iron Deficiency Anaemia](/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/).

Get emergency help for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion, or a heartbeat that remains very fast or irregular. Seek prompt advice for repeated episodes with weakness, marked dizziness or new swelling. These symptoms should not be explained away as an eye twitch without an examination.

Is this an eyelid twitch or a heartbeat sensation? Could a medicine, thyroid problem, low blood sugar or anaemia contribute? Do I need an ECG or blood tests, and what should I do during another episode?