Irregular heartbeat when exercising: what should you know?

Exercise naturally raises the heart rate, so forceful beats can feel more obvious. An uneven rhythm may also relate to dehydration, overheating, low fitness, stimulant use, infection, anaemia or a heart rhythm disorder such as Atrial Fibrillation. The feeling cannot show which explanation applies.

Notice whether symptoms begin during effort or after stopping, whether they settle with rest, and whether you have chest pressure, unusual breathlessness, Dizziness or near-fainting. A clinician may use an Electrocardiogram and, when symptoms are intermittent, monitoring during normal activities.

Reduce the intensity and stop if the rhythm feels irregular or you feel unwell. Sit somewhere safe, cool down gradually when appropriate, and avoid restarting until you have advice if the episode was significant. Hydrate sensibly, avoid stimulant supplements, and arrange review before strenuous exercise when symptoms are new or recurring.

Call emergency services for exercise-related palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse or a rhythm that does not settle with rest. Sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty or vision loss requires urgent help because it may indicate Stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack. Prompt review is also sensible when exercise capacity is falling without a clear reason.

Is it safe for me to continue exercising while this is being assessed? Should I have an Electrocardiogram, exercise assessment or longer rhythm recording? Could my medicines, supplements, hydration or another illness be contributing?