Palpitations treatment

A clinician first asks about timing, rhythm, medicines, stimulants, illness, sleep, and associated symptoms. Treatment may involve reducing a trigger, correcting dehydration or low blood sugar, treating anaemia or thyroid overactivity, or addressing anxiety. An irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation may need rhythm or rate management. Heart failure requires its own medical plan. The right option depends on examination findings and test results.

Do not start supplements, beta-blockers, or rhythm medicines without advice, and do not stop an existing prescription suddenly. [Atrial Fibrillation](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/) and [Hyperthyroidism](/conditions/hyperthyroidism/) are examples of causes that need different approaches.

Keep an episode diary: describe the beat, what you were doing, food and drinks, medicines, sleep, and how long it lasted. Bring a complete medicine and supplement list. Until reviewed, moderate caffeine and alcohol if they trigger symptoms, stay hydrated when medically appropriate, and use relaxation breathing during stress.

Seek emergency help for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion, or sudden weakness. Request prompt review for a new persistent rhythm, repeated episodes, or symptoms with marked dizziness. Treatment should follow a diagnosis rather than a guess based only on how the heartbeat feels.

Ask what your tests are checking, which triggers to limit, whether you need a wearable rhythm monitor, and what symptom should make you seek urgent care.