How common is palpitations in anaemia?

Anaemia has different causes, including blood loss, low iron or problems affecting red blood cell production. The heart may compensate by increasing its rate to supply muscles and organs with oxygen. Palpitations can also have other explanations, such as fever, medicines, thyroid problems or an abnormal rhythm, so the symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

A clinician may ask about bleeding, diet, tiredness, breathlessness and the timing of the heartbeat sensation. Blood tests can check the blood count and help investigate the type of anaemia.

Arrange a medical assessment if palpitations are new, recurring or accompanied by unusual fatigue, pale skin, dizziness or reduced exercise tolerance. Keep a note of when episodes begin, how long they last, what you were doing and whether the rhythm feels regular. Do not start iron supplements without advice, because treatment depends on the cause and excess iron can be harmful.

Seek urgent help for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, marked weakness or confusion. Get prompt assessment if the heartbeat remains very fast or irregular, or if there is heavy bleeding or black, tarry stool. These features need evaluation even when anaemia has been diagnosed.

Ask what may be causing the anaemia, which tests are needed, whether blood loss should be checked, and how you should respond if palpitations return.