Palpitations and lightheadedness

Lightheadedness can happen when the brain briefly receives less blood flow, such as after standing quickly, becoming dehydrated, overheating, or having low blood sugar. Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery and make the heart beat faster. Anxiety can intensify awareness of bodily sensations. A rhythm problem such as atrial fibrillation may cause an uneven or rapid pulse. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo usually causes spinning with head movement rather than simple faintness, so describing the feeling precisely helps.

Tell the clinician whether you felt faint, unsteady, or as though the room was spinning. [Anaemia](/conditions/anaemia/) and [Atrial Fibrillation](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/) are examples of conditions that may be investigated.

Sit or lie down safely, loosen tight clothing, and avoid driving until the feeling has passed. Sip water if you can drink normally. If you have diabetes, follow your personal low-glucose plan. Note your pulse sensation, activity, heat exposure, food, medicines, and recovery time. Arrange medical review for new or recurrent episodes.

Call emergency services for fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, a new severe headache, or sudden weakness or trouble speaking. Seek urgent assessment if the heartbeat remains very fast or irregular, or if lightheadedness does not settle with rest. Do not assume that frequent symptoms are simply anxiety.

Ask whether you need an electrocardiogram, blood count, glucose or thyroid tests, and how to respond if the symptoms return while you are alone.