Heart palpitations on and off all day

An episode may feel like a thump, flutter, pause or racing beat, then settle before returning. Repetition can reflect changing triggers such as exertion, stress, poor sleep, caffeine, nicotine, dehydration, fever or low blood sugar. It can also reflect an abnormal rhythm, so the pattern matters more than the sensation alone.

Write down whether the rhythm feels regular or uneven, what you were doing, and whether dizziness, breathlessness or chest discomfort occurred. A clinician may use an ECG or an ambulatory monitor to capture an episode and may test for Anaemia, Hyperthyroidism or Hypoglycaemia. Atrial Fibrillation is one possible rhythm condition.

Reduce activity during an episode and sit or lie safely. Sip fluids if you can drink normally, avoid stimulants and do not repeatedly check your pulse in a way that increases anxiety. Arrange a same-day or near-term review when symptoms continue across the day, even if each episode stops.

Get emergency help if palpitations come with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, confusion or severe dizziness. Seek prompt care for a sustained fast or irregular heartbeat, symptoms during exertion, or new swelling and breathlessness that could signal Heart Failure.

Ask what rhythm monitoring is suitable, which blood tests may help, whether any medicine or stimulant should change, and how quickly you should be reviewed if the pattern continues.