What should you know about feeling like your heart is racing?

A racing-heart sensation may come from stress, stimulants, fever, dehydration, low blood sugar, thyroid overactivity, anaemia, or a heart rhythm change. Sit down, avoid caffeine and nicotine, and note whether the beat feels fast, irregular, or forceful.

Palpitations are an awareness of the heartbeat; they can occur even when the rhythm is normal. Anxiety can release adrenaline, while caffeine, nicotine, decongestants, fever, dehydration, or low blood sugar can push the pulse higher. Hyperthyroidism and iron deficiency anaemia may also present with a racing heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation presents with an irregular heartbeat and may bring breathlessness or tiredness. Heart failure can present with a fast heartbeat alongside breathlessness, swelling, or reduced stamina. These conditions are possibilities, not conclusions based on the sensation alone.

Stop activity and sit somewhere cool. Breathe slowly, sip water, and avoid stimulants until the episode settles. If you can do so safely, record your pulse, the start and end time, triggers, and associated symptoms. Arrange a clinician review if episodes recur, last longer than expected, disturb sleep, or begin after a new medicine. An assessment may include an examination, blood tests, and an electrocardiogram; intermittent episodes may need rhythm monitoring.

Seek emergency care for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, confusion, or marked weakness. Get urgent advice if the heartbeat remains very fast or irregular at rest, or if you have known heart disease. Do not drive yourself while dizzy or faint.

Explain whether the sensation starts suddenly or builds gradually, whether it stops abruptly, and whether the beat is regular. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, energy drinks, and recreational substances, and mention family history of rhythm problems or sudden death.