Heart palpitations with light-headedness

Light-headedness means feeling faint, unsteady, or as if you may lose balance; it is different from the room spinning. Standing quickly, heat, dehydration, missed meals, illness, or some medicines can lower circulation briefly. Anaemia may reduce oxygen delivery and cause fatigue with palpitations. Hypoglycaemia can cause sweating, shaking, hunger, and difficulty concentrating. Hyperthyroidism and Generalised Anxiety Disorder can also produce a racing heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation is one possible rhythm cause, especially if the pulse is irregular. Heart failure becomes more concerning when symptoms include breathlessness, swelling, or reduced exercise tolerance. The combination does not prove any one condition.

Stop what you are doing and sit or lie down with support. Rise slowly after the feeling passes, drink fluids if safe, and eat if you have missed a meal. Avoid driving, ladders, and strenuous exercise during an episode. Record posture, activity, pulse regularity, food, fluids, medicines, and duration. Arrange a review when episodes recur or occur during exertion; an ECG, blood-pressure check, or blood tests may be considered.

Call emergency services for fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, a sustained irregular or very fast heartbeat, new weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, or a sudden severe headache. Seek urgent care if light-headedness persists, you cannot stand safely, or symptoms follow significant bleeding.

Ask whether your pulse, blood pressure, medicines, hydration, blood sugar, thyroid function, or blood count should be checked. Mention the exact position or time of day, triggers, duration, and whether the beat felt regular.