Palpitations
What are palpitations?
Palpitations are the sensation of your heart beating in an unusual way. They may feel like fluttering, pounding, racing, or skipped beats in your chest or neck. Episodes can last just a few seconds or much longer, and may occur occasionally or more frequently.
Most palpitations are benign, but in some cases, they may indicate an underlying heart rhythm problem that requires assessment and treatment.
What causes palpitations?
Palpitations are a symptom, not a condition in themselves. They can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including:
Lifestyle factors: stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or lack of sleep
Medications: some inhalers, thyroid treatments, or stimulants
Heart rhythm disorders: atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or extra heartbeats (ectopics)
Medical conditions: thyroid imbalance, anaemia, or structural heart disease
Other common symptoms associated with palpitations
You may notice:
A fast, irregular, or forceful heartbeat
Light-headedness or dizziness
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort or tightness
Feelings of anxiety or panic
When to seek urgent help?
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if palpitations are accompanied by:
Severe chest pain
Fainting or collapse
Shortness of breath at rest
Feeling acutely unwell
If your palpitations are mild or occasional but persistent, you should arrange an appointment with your GP or a cardiologist for further assessment.
When to see your cardiologist?
Your cardiologist will begin by taking a detailed history and performing a physical examination.
Depending on your symptoms, further tests may include:
ECG (Electrocardiogram): a simple tracing of your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity
Holter or Event Monitor: a portable ECG worn for 24 hours or longer to record intermittent episodes
Echocardiogram: an ultrasound scan that assesses the heart’s structure and pumping function
Blood Tests: to check for thyroid issues, anaemia, or electrolyte imbalances
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause identified during your assessment. Common options include:
Lifestyle measures: reducing caffeine or alcohol, improving hydration and sleep, managing stress or anxiety
Medication: beta-blockers or other rhythm-control drugs to slow the heart or prevent abnormal beats
Catheter Ablation: a minimally invasive procedure in which fine wires are guided into the heart to locate and eliminate abnormal electrical pathways — often highly effective for SVT or atrial fibrillation
Devices or Surgery: in rare cases, pacemakers, defibrillators, or corrective heart surgery may be recommended
Key message
Most palpitations are not dangerous — but it’s important to understand what’s causing them.
With accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment, palpitations can usually be managed effectively, restoring confidence and peace of mind.
Our Specialists
LEADING CARDIOLOGY CARE
Our team provides expert, evidence-based care for a wide range of heart and circulatory conditions, from chest pain and palpitations to complex coronary and structural heart disease. We combine advanced diagnostic techniques with personalised treatment plans to deliver the highest standard of cardiology care.
Our team is highly experienced in diagnosing and managing a wide range of heart and circulatory conditions, using the latest diagnostic technology and evidence-based treatment approaches. From preventive cardiology to complex interventional procedures, we provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs. Below is an overview of some of the common conditions we treat, for more personalised advice, please contact our team.
