How common is palpitations in heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart is not meeting the body's needs as effectively as it should. The body may respond by increasing heart rate, while fluid can build up in the lungs or tissues. Some heart failure medicines, changes in salt or fluid balance, infection and abnormal rhythms may also influence how the heartbeat feels.

Palpitations alone cannot show whether heart failure is present or worsening. A clinician may review symptoms, weight changes, medicines and blood pressure, then use heart rhythm testing or other investigations when needed.

If you have diagnosed heart failure, report new or increasing palpitations to your care team, especially with worsening breathlessness, swelling or a sudden change in weight. Take medicines as prescribed and follow your personalised fluid and salt advice. Keep a record of episodes and avoid stopping treatment without guidance.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness at rest, blue lips, confusion or sudden weakness. Seek urgent assessment for rapidly worsening breathlessness, inability to lie flat, or a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat. These symptoms can indicate a serious change in heart function or rhythm.

Ask whether your palpitations could reflect a rhythm change, whether you need an electrocardiogram or monitor, how to track fluid-related symptoms, and which changes require emergency help.