Palpitations and shortness of breath

Breathlessness may accompany a fast heartbeat during exertion, fever, stress, or illness. Lung conditions such as asthma, acute bronchitis, bronchiectasis, or COPD can make the heart feel more prominent as breathing becomes harder. Anaemia may reduce oxygen delivery. Heart rhythm problems, angina, or heart failure can also present with breathlessness; the presence of palpitations does not identify which condition is responsible.

Anaphylaxis can cause rapidly worsening breathing difficulty with swelling, hives, or throat tightness and needs emergency help. [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/) and [Angina](/conditions/angina/) explain two different causes a clinician may consider.

Stop exertion, sit upright, and use a prescribed reliever inhaler according to your action plan if relevant. Avoid driving while breathless or lightheaded. Record onset, activity, pulse sensation, cough, wheeze, fever, chest discomfort, and exposures. Arrange prompt review when symptoms are new, recurrent, or worsening.

Call emergency services for severe or sudden breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pressure, fainting, confusion, coughing blood, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. Do not wait for symptoms to settle if breathing is becoming harder. Mild but unexplained episodes still warrant clinical assessment.

Ask whether you need heart and lung examinations, an electrocardiogram, oxygen measurement, or blood tests, and request a clear action plan for future breathlessness.