Heart palpitations with headache and fatigue

Palpitations are a sensation of pounding, racing, fluttering, or skipped beats. Headache and tiredness may occur when the body is short of fluid, has not had enough fuel, or is working harder to deliver oxygen. Anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia can present with palpitations and fatigue; headache may accompany them. Dehydration can cause a faster pulse, headache, weakness, and darker urine. Low blood sugar may bring sweating, shakiness, hunger, confusion, or a racing heartbeat. Hyperthyroidism can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat with heat intolerance, tremor, weight loss, or poor sleep. Stress and Generalised Anxiety Disorder can also produce a noticeable heartbeat alongside muscle tension and headache. These symptoms do not identify one diagnosis by themselves.

Atrial fibrillation is one possible rhythm problem, especially when the pulse feels irregular. Heart failure is more concerning when palpitations occur with breathlessness, swollen ankles, or reduced ability to lie flat. A clinician may review medicines, caffeine, sleep, fluid intake, bleeding history, and pulse pattern, then decide whether an examination, blood tests, or an ECG is appropriate.

Sit down and rest during an episode. Sip water if you can drink normally, and eat a usual snack or meal if you may have missed food. Avoid strenuous activity, nicotine, energy drinks, and extra caffeine until the episode settles. Record when it started, how long it lasted, whether the rhythm felt regular, and any headache, dizziness, chest discomfort, or breathlessness. Arrange a medical review if episodes recur, are becoming longer, or come with ongoing fatigue. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice.

Seek emergency help immediately for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new confusion, a severe or sudden headache, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, or a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat. Seek prompt assessment if you have known heart disease, significant bleeding, or symptoms that do not settle with rest. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or confused.

Ask whether your pulse and blood pressure should be checked during symptoms, whether an ECG or blood tests could help, and whether anaemia, thyroid disease, dehydration, or low blood sugar fits your pattern. Bring your symptom record and a list of medicines, supplements, and stimulants.