Causes of palpitations

Palpitations are the awareness of your own heartbeat. It may feel like pounding, fluttering, racing or a skipped beat. They are common, and most of the time they are harmless, but they can sometimes signal a heart rhythm problem.

Common non-heart causes

• Anxiety, stress and panic
• Caffeine, energy drinks, nicotine, alcohol and some recreational drugs
• Exercise or strong emotion
• Fever, dehydration and lack of sleep
• Anaemia, low blood sugar and low potassium or magnesium
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Hormone changes: periods, pregnancy, menopause
• Medicines: decongestants, asthma inhalers, thyroid tablets, some cold remedies and diet pills
• Large meals or very spicy foods in some people

Heart-related causes

• Extra beats (ectopics): premature atrial or ventricular beats, usually benign
• Arrhythmias: atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia
• Heart disease: valve problems, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease or past heart attack
• Congenital heart conditions

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda connects palpitations with Hridaya and Vata or Pitta disturbance, often with stress, irregular routine and poor sleep. This is an interpretive framework and does not replace an ECG or heart check.

See a doctor if palpitations are frequent, last more than a few minutes, or occur with a heart condition or family history of sudden cardiac death.

When to get help

See a doctor if palpitations are new, frequent, last more than a few minutes, or come with dizziness, chest discomfort or breathlessness. An ECG, simple blood tests and a heart rhythm monitor can usually find the cause. Call 112 for chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness.

Remember

Most causes are harmless, but a simple ECG helps tell the difference.