Heart palpitations throughout the day: what to know

Repeated sensations may be linked to caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, decongestants, poor sleep, stress, fever, exercise or dehydration. Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery and make the heart beat more forcefully; an overactive thyroid can increase the body's pace. A rhythm disorder such as atrial fibrillation may feel irregular rather than simply fast. Heart failure can cause breathlessness, swelling or reduced exercise tolerance alongside palpitations. These conditions are not diagnosed from frequency alone, so a clinician may need to examine you and record the rhythm.

Keep a simple diary of each episode: what you were doing, the rhythm's regularity, possible triggers, duration and symptoms such as dizziness or breathlessness. Reduce stimulant drinks, rest, hydrate normally and take prescribed medicines as directed. Do not stop heart or thyroid medicine without advice. Arrange a timely appointment when the episodes continue across the day, recur over several days, disturb sleep or limit activity. An ECG or longer rhythm monitor may capture an event that a brief visit misses.

Seek emergency help for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, new confusion or profound weakness. Get prompt assessment for a sustained irregular rhythm, symptoms during exercise or rapidly worsening episodes. Sit down and avoid driving if you feel faint.

Ask whether your medicines or stimulants could contribute, whether blood-count and thyroid checks are suitable, and whether you need an ECG or ambulatory monitor. Ask what duration or associated symptom should trigger emergency action.