What should you know about internal tremors and heart palpitations?

An internal tremor may feel like vibrating or shaking inside even when your hands are steady. Palpitations can feel like pounding, fluttering, skipped beats, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety can trigger both sensations, while dehydration or Hypoglycaemia can activate the body’s stress response. Anaemia and Iron Deficiency Anaemia may make the heart work harder. Hyperthyroidism can cause a fast or forceful heartbeat. Atrial Fibrillation is one rhythm problem that can produce an irregular pulse; Heart Failure has different associated symptoms and requires medical assessment.

Sit down, breathe slowly, and note when the episode began, how long it lasted, whether the rhythm felt regular, and what you were doing. Consider recent fluid loss, missed meals, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, medicines, and emotional strain. Sip water if you can, eat your usual meal if you have missed one, and avoid driving while dizzy. Arrange a clinical review for recurring episodes or a persistent change in heartbeat.

Seek emergency help for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion, new weakness, or a sustained very irregular heartbeat. Prompt medical advice is also needed for repeated episodes, exercise-related symptoms, or swelling and breathlessness that are getting worse.

Ask whether you need an ECG or blood tests, which medicines or stimulants may contribute, and how to respond if the sensation returns.