Vitamins for heart palpitations: what to know

Palpitations may feel like pounding, fluttering, skipped beats or a racing heart. Dehydration and disturbed mineral levels can contribute, but so can anaemia, low blood sugar, anxiety, thyroid overactivity, medicines, caffeine or an abnormal rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. A vitamin supplement is useful only when a deficiency is confirmed or strongly suspected and the product is appropriate.

A clinician may check the timing, duration, pulse, triggers and associated symptoms. An examination, blood tests and an electrocardiogram may be considered; longer heart monitoring can help when episodes come and go.

Keep a brief record of episodes, including activity, food, drinks, medicines and symptoms such as dizziness or breathlessness. Maintain fluids unless a clinician has told you to restrict them, and avoid increasing supplements or stimulants without advice. Do not stop prescribed heart or blood-pressure treatment on your own.

Seek a review if palpitations recur, last longer, occur with exertion, or are new for you. Mention restrictive eating, vomiting, diarrhoea and any over-the-counter products, because these details can guide testing.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, new weakness, confusion or a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat. These features require urgent assessment and should not be managed by taking a vitamin.

Ask whether you need an ECG or blood tests, which deficiencies are relevant, whether your medicines or thyroid could be involved, and what symptoms should prompt emergency help.