Heart palpitations with dizzy spells: what to know

Dizziness may mean you feel light-headed, unsteady, or close to fainting. When it occurs with pounding or fluttering, causes include standing quickly, dehydration, low blood sugar, anaemia, medicines, anxiety, or a change in heart rhythm. The combination is more concerning than an isolated brief awareness of the heartbeat.

Atrial fibrillation and other rhythm changes can reduce how effectively the heart fills and pumps, causing palpitations and light-headedness. Hypoglycaemia may bring sweating, shaking, hunger, or confusion. Dehydration can follow heat, vomiting, diarrhoea, or poor intake. These symptoms do not identify one diagnosis, so an assessment may include blood pressure, an electrocardiogram, and blood tests.

Stop walking or climbing and sit or lie down to prevent a fall. Loosen tight clothing and breathe normally. If you have diabetes, follow your personal low-blood-sugar plan. Do not drive while dizzy. Write down the onset, posture, pulse if available, duration, medicines, food, fluids, and whether the heartbeat felt regular. Arrange prompt medical review if this is new or recurring.

Call emergency services if dizziness is severe or you faint, or if palpitations occur with chest pain, severe breathlessness, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, or confusion. Seek urgent assessment for symptoms that continue after resting, a clearly irregular heartbeat, or repeated near-fainting.

Ask what tests can check rhythm, blood count, thyroid function, glucose, and blood pressure. Explain whether symptoms began after standing, exercise, illness, a medicine, or a change in eating or drinking.