Intermittent fasting and heart palpitations

During a fasting window, reduced fluid intake, heat, exercise, or extra coffee may leave you dehydrated or more aware of your pulse. A long gap between meals can also contribute to low blood sugar, especially when diabetes medicines are involved. Anxiety can make fluttering or pounding more noticeable. Palpitations may also occur with anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, an overactive thyroid, or an irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Pause the fast if symptoms begin, sit down, and take fluids if you can drink safely. Avoid strenuous activity and further caffeine while the sensation settles. Record when it started, how long it lasted, your fasting pattern, drinks, medicines, and any dizziness or chest discomfort. Arrange a clinical review if episodes recur, last longer, or begin after a change in medication. A clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, heart rhythm, blood count, thyroid function, and glucose.

Seek emergency help for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, marked weakness, confusion, or a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat. Seek prompt medical advice for repeated episodes, faint feelings, swelling, or breathlessness when lying down. Do not restart fasting until a clinician has considered the pattern if symptoms keep returning.

Could my fasting schedule, hydration, caffeine, glucose, thyroid, blood count, or medicines be contributing? Should I change the fasting window or monitor my pulse and glucose? Do my symptoms need an electrocardiogram or another heart-rhythm check?