What do palpitations feel like with heart failure?

Heart failure affects how effectively the heart pumps or fills. The body may respond by increasing the heart rate, while changes in the heart muscle or its rhythm can create an irregular sensation. Palpitations are not enough to confirm heart failure, and other rhythm, lung, medication or hormone-related causes can feel similar. A clinical assessment helps separate these possibilities.

If you have known heart failure, follow your prescribed plan and record the timing, duration and pattern of each episode. Note changes in breathlessness, sleep position, swelling, weight trend and exercise tolerance, and contact your care team about a new pattern. Do not alter heart medicines or fluid treatment without advice. Limit personal triggers such as excess caffeine if your clinician recommends it.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pressure, severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, fainting, blue lips, confusion or collapse. Seek same-day medical advice for a sustained rapid rhythm, sudden swelling, breathlessness at rest, or a clear deterioration in your usual heart-failure symptoms. Sit upright while waiting if breathing is difficult.

Ask whether you need an electrocardiogram, rhythm monitoring, blood tests or a review of your heart-failure treatment. Tell the clinician about missed doses, new medicines, infections, sleep changes and any dizziness. Ask which changes in breathlessness or swelling should prompt a call to your care team.