Heartburn and palpitations

Heartburn is a burning discomfort from the upper digestive tract, while palpitations are an awareness of pounding, racing, fluttering, or skipped beats. Pain, worry, dehydration, low blood sugar, anaemia, thyroid overactivity, and stimulant drinks can make a heartbeat feel more noticeable. An irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation is another possibility, but symptoms alone cannot diagnose it. Note whether the sensation is regular or irregular, how long it lasts, and what you were doing.

Further information is available about [Atrial Fibrillation](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/) and [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/).

Pause strenuous activity, sit comfortably, and take slow breaths. Drink water if you may have lost fluids and avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and energy drinks until the episode is understood. Do not drive while dizzy or faint. Arrange a clinical review for repeated episodes, a persistent fast heartbeat, reduced exercise tolerance, unusual tiredness, or symptoms linked with missed meals. A clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, medicines, and general health.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or severe pain, breathlessness, fainting, confusion, a new one-sided weakness, or palpitations that do not settle with rest. Urgent assessment is also needed when a fast or irregular heartbeat is accompanied by marked weakness or dizziness. Heartburn should not be used to dismiss potentially serious chest symptoms.

Could my episodes reflect an irregular rhythm, dehydration, anaemia, thyroid disease, or low blood sugar? Do I need an ECG or blood tests? Which medicines, supplements, or drinks should I avoid, and how should I record future episodes?