What should you know about stop palpitations?

Palpitations are an awareness of a pounding, racing, fluttering, or skipped heartbeat. Stress, poor sleep, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, fever, dehydration, and some medicines can trigger them. Anaemia, iron-deficiency anaemia, hypoglycaemia, hyperthyroidism, generalised anxiety disorder, and atrial fibrillation can present with palpitations; the sensation alone does not show which cause is present.

Heart failure may cause palpitations alongside breathlessness, swelling, reduced exercise tolerance, or needing extra pillows. A clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, heart rhythm, medicines, and symptoms before deciding whether an ECG or other tests are needed.

Stop exertion, sit or lie safely, and breathe slowly with a longer exhale. Sip water if dehydration may be involved. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, recreational drugs, and decongestants until you have advice. Do not press on your neck or take a heart medicine that was not prescribed for you.

Note when the episode began, whether the rhythm felt regular or irregular, what you were doing, and whether chest discomfort, breathlessness, dizziness, or faintness occurred. This information can help identify a pattern.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, or severe dizziness. Seek prompt assessment if the heartbeat remains very fast or irregular, episodes recur, or you have known heart disease. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unwell.

Ask whether your symptoms could relate to rhythm, thyroid function, anaemia, blood sugar, dehydration, anxiety, or a medicine; whether you need an ECG; and which activities or stimulants to avoid while waiting for review.