Heart palpitations with throat tightness: what to do

A tight or closing sensation in the throat can occur during anxiety, rapid breathing, reflux or irritation. Palpitations may accompany the body's adrenaline response. A sudden throat tightness with swelling of the lips or tongue, wheezing, rash or trouble swallowing may signal a serious allergic reaction. Chest pressure, breathlessness, dizziness or pain spreading to the arm, back or jaw raises concern for an urgent heart or circulation problem. Anaemia, dehydration, thyroid disease and rhythm disorders can also cause palpitations, but the symptom combination cannot be diagnosed at home.

Stop exertion and sit upright. Loosen tight clothing, breathe gently and note whether you can speak and swallow normally. Move away from a suspected irritant. If the person has a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector for severe allergy, use it as directed and call emergency services. Do not drive if breathing feels restricted, you are dizzy or the heartbeat is very irregular. Arrange medical review for recurring episodes even when they settle.

Call emergency services immediately for severe or worsening throat tightness, swelling, wheezing, difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest pain, fainting, collapse, blue lips or confusion. Treat a sudden allergic-type reaction as an emergency rather than waiting to see whether palpitations stop.

Ask whether the pattern fits allergy, reflux, anxiety or a heart rhythm issue, whether you need an ECG or other tests, and what action plan to follow if throat symptoms return.