Heart Palpitations

31 March 2025

Heart palpitations can feel like a racing, fluttering, or pounding sensation in your chest. While often harmless, frequent or severe palpitations may indicate an underlying heart condition.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are irregular, fast, or forceful heartbeats that can be felt in the chest, throat, or neck. They may occur occasionally or frequently and last for a few seconds to minutes.

Palpitations can feel like:

A racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
A slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
Skipped or extra beats
A fluttering or pounding sensation

While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes signal a serious heart condition that requires medical attention.

Common Symptoms Associated with Palpitations

Fast or Irregular Heartbeat – Feeling like your heart is skipping beats
Dizziness or Lightheadedness – Could indicate reduced blood flow to the brain
Shortness of Breath – May suggest a heart or lung condition
Chest Pain or Discomfort – Can be a sign of a heart problem
Fainting or Weakness – Requires urgent medical evaluation

If palpitations occur with chest pain, fainting, or severe dizziness, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Potential Causes of Heart Palpitations

Non-Serious Causes (Lifestyle & Emotional Triggers)

Stress & Anxiety – Adrenaline release can speed up the heart rate
Caffeine or Alcohol – Stimulants may trigger palpitations
Intense Exercise – Physical activity can temporarily increase heart rate
Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance – Affects heart rhythm
Fever or Illness – Body temperature changes may impact the heartbeat

Medical Causes (Heart & Health Conditions)

Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeat) – Electrical issues causing abnormal heart rhythms
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Narrowed arteries restricting blood flow
Valvular Heart Disease – Faulty heart valves affecting circulation
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) – Hormonal imbalance impacting heart rate
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) – Can trigger palpitations and dizziness
Anemia (Low Red Blood Cell Count) – Reduces oxygen supply, making the heart work harder
Medications & Stimulants – Certain drugs, including asthma inhalers and decongestants, may cause palpitations

How Are Palpitations Diagnosed?

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, our cardiology team uses cutting-edge tests to determine the cause of palpitations, including:

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) – Measures heart rhythm and detects abnormalities
Holter Monitor (24-48 Hour ECG) – Monitors heartbeat activity over time
Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound) – Examines heart function and structure
Stress Test (Exercise ECG) – Assesses how the heart responds to physical exertion
Blood Tests (Thyroid, Electrolytes, & Anemia Check) – Identifies medical causes
Event Monitor (Long-Term Heart Monitoring) – Captures intermittent palpitations

Early diagnosis is essential to rule out serious heart conditions.

Treatment Options for Heart Palpitations

Lifestyle Adjustments & Home Remedies

Reduce Stress & Anxiety – Meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques
Limit Caffeine & Alcohol – Avoid stimulants that can trigger palpitations
Stay Hydrated & Maintain Electrolyte Balance – Proper hydration supports heart function
Regular Exercise – Improves cardiovascular health but should be done under medical advice

Medical Treatments & Procedures

Beta-Blockers & Calcium Channel Blockers – Helps control heart rate
Anti-Arrhythmic Medications – Treats irregular heart rhythms
Ablation Therapy – For severe arrhythmias that do not respond to medication
Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – For serious heart rhythm disorders
Treating Underlying Conditions – Addressing thyroid problems, anemia, or heart disease

When to Seek Medical Help for Palpitations?

Seek urgent medical care if palpitations are accompanied by:

Severe chest pain or tightness – May indicate a heart attack
Fainting or Near-Fainting Episodes – Could signal a serious heart problem
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing – Needs immediate evaluation
Palpitations lasting longer than a few minutes – Especially if recurring frequently
Dizziness or Confusion – A sign of reduced blood flow to the brain

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide fast diagnosis, expert treatment, and ongoing care to support recovery and reduce future risk. Make an appointment with one of our private GPs who can refer you to our specialist cardiologist. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £100.

Any additional costs will always be discussed. They could apply if you are referred for an MRI scan, or to a consultant, or for other agreed decisions to support your health.

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.