Menopause and heart palpitations: what to know

Palpitations may feel like pounding, racing, fluttering or skipped beats. Hormone fluctuations, heat, poor sleep, stress, caffeine, dehydration and some medicines can make the heartbeat more noticeable. The sensation may be brief or recur, and its pattern matters.

Menopause is not the only possible explanation. Anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycaemia, dehydration, anxiety and heart rhythm conditions such as atrial fibrillation can also cause palpitations. Heart failure needs assessment when palpitations occur with breathlessness, swelling or unusual exhaustion.

Sit down, breathe slowly and note when the episode began, what you were doing, how long it lasted and whether the rhythm felt regular. Record chest discomfort, dizziness, breathlessness, fever, food intake and medicines. Hydrate normally unless a clinician has given you fluid restrictions.

Book an appointment for recurrent, prolonged or troublesome palpitations. A clinician may review your pulse, blood pressure, medicines and possible triggers, and decide whether an ECG or blood tests are needed. Do not change heart or thyroid medicines on your own.

Call UAE emergency services or attend an emergency department for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new confusion, severe dizziness or weakness. Urgent assessment is also appropriate if a rapid or irregular heartbeat does not settle, especially if you have known heart disease.

Could my palpitations be linked to menopause, anaemia, thyroid disease or a rhythm problem? Should I have an ECG or blood tests? Which triggers should I avoid, and what should I do if an episode lasts longer or feels different?