Heart racing and nausea: what should you know?

A fast or pounding heartbeat may occur when the body is responding to worry, pain, fever, dehydration, or low blood sugar. Nausea can accompany the same response, but the two symptoms can also arise separately.

Possible contributors include anaemia, an overactive thyroid, or an abnormal rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. Heart failure more often causes breathlessness, swelling, and unusual tiredness alongside palpitations. These symptoms do not identify a diagnosis by themselves.

Stop exertion and sit somewhere cool. Breathe slowly, loosen tight clothing, and take small sips of water if you can keep fluids down. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and non-prescribed stimulants until the episode settles.

Write down when it began, whether the beat felt regular or uneven, what you were doing, and any vomiting, fever, medication change, or missed meal. Arrange a clinical review if episodes recur or interfere with daily activities.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, new confusion, blue or grey lips, or a racing heartbeat with marked weakness. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint.

Seek same-day medical advice when palpitations continue, keep returning, or occur with dizziness, vomiting, fever, or known heart disease. A clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, an electrocardiogram, and blood tests.

Ask whether your medicines, thyroid function, blood count, hydration, or blood sugar could be contributing, and what changes should prompt urgent care.