Causes of heart palpitations

Common triggers include emotional stress, strenuous activity, poor sleep, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, fever, and dehydration. Some inhalers, decongestants, thyroid medicines, and supplements can affect heartbeat; review the label and your medication list with a clinician.

Medical causes include anaemia, iron deficiency, an overactive thyroid, low blood sugar, and rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation. Heart failure can cause palpitations alongside breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, or swelling. A palpitation is a symptom, so its meaning depends on the full pattern.

Keep a brief diary of the sensation, activity, food or drink, medicines, pulse, and associated symptoms. Reduce obvious triggers one at a time, stay hydrated, and do not stop prescribed medicine without advice. Arrange a review if episodes recur, last longer, occur during exercise, or are associated with dizziness. An ECG and targeted blood tests may clarify the cause.

Seek emergency care for palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, confusion, or sudden one-sided weakness. Contact a clinician promptly for a new persistent irregular rhythm, worsening episodes, or symptoms in someone with known heart disease.

Which triggers fit my pattern? Could I need an ECG monitor? Should we check blood count, thyroid function, glucose, or electrolytes? Is any medicine or supplement contributing?