What should you know about increased palpitations?

Palpitations may feel like racing, pounding, skipped beats, or fluttering in the chest or neck. Caffeine, nicotine, some medicines, fever, emotional strain, poor sleep, dehydration, and low blood sugar can make them more noticeable. Anaemia, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, or Hyperthyroidism can also present with palpitations.

An irregular rhythm such as Atrial Fibrillation is another possible explanation. Palpitations alone do not show which cause is present. A clinician may ask about timing, duration, triggers, pulse regularity, and other symptoms, then arrange an examination, blood tests, or an ECG.

Sit down, breathe slowly, and note when the episode began, what you were doing, and whether the rhythm felt regular. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, decongestants, and recreational stimulants until you have advice. Drink fluids if you may be dehydrated, unless a clinician has restricted your fluid intake.

Book a medical appointment if episodes recur, last longer than usual, happen with exercise, or interfere with sleep. Mention breathlessness or swelling, which can occur with Heart Failure, and describe any anxiety symptoms without assuming anxiety is the cause.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, new weakness, confusion, or a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat. Seek urgent assessment if symptoms continue or you have known heart disease.

Could my medicines, thyroid, blood count, hydration, or blood sugar be contributing? Do I need an ECG or a wearable rhythm monitor? What symptoms should make me seek emergency help?