What should you know about increase in heart palpitations?

Palpitations may feel like pounding, fluttering, skipped beats, or racing. Triggers include anxiety, poor sleep, fever, dehydration, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and some medicines. Anaemia, low blood sugar, an overactive thyroid, or an abnormal rhythm such as atrial fibrillation can also cause them. The symptom does not identify the cause by itself.

Note when episodes begin, how long they last, whether the rhythm feels regular, and what you were doing. Breathlessness, swelling, or reduced exercise tolerance needs assessment because heart failure can also affect how the heartbeat is perceived.

Rest, hydrate normally, and avoid extra caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and non-prescribed stimulants while arranging advice. Review medicines and supplements with a clinician rather than stopping prescribed treatment. A pulse check, examination, blood tests, and an ECG may help identify the pattern; longer monitoring can be considered when episodes come and go.

Keep a symptom diary with time, activity, food or drink, medicines, pulse if available, and associated symptoms. This can make brief episodes easier to evaluate.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, new confusion, or severe weakness. Seek same-day medical advice for a sustained rapid heartbeat, repeated episodes with dizziness, or palpitations in someone with known heart disease.

Ask whether you need an ECG or blood tests for anaemia, thyroid problems, or glucose changes, and whether your symptoms suggest an abnormal rhythm or need monitoring.