Symptoms of palpitations

Palpitations are a sensation, not a disease. People describe them in different ways.

How palpitations feel

• Pounding or thumping in the chest, throat or neck
• Fluttering or flip-flopping
• A skipped or extra beat followed by a strong beat
• A fast heartbeat that starts and stops suddenly
• A steady fast rhythm, as in anxiety or fever

How long they last

Seconds to minutes in most people. Some episodes last hours.

Symptoms that may come with them

• Anxiety, sweating and trembling
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Tiredness or weakness
• Mild breathlessness or chest discomfort

Warning symptoms

Palpitations with any of the following need urgent medical care:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Fainting or near-fainting
• Severe breathlessness
• Confusion, weakness on one side or trouble speaking
• Very fast heartbeat that does not settle

Ayurvedic view

Traditional texts describe Hriddrava or Hritspandana, a trembling of the heart, often with fear, weakness and dryness. This is an interpretive description, not a diagnosis.

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have palpitations with chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness.

See a doctor if palpitations come often, last more than a few minutes, or worry you.

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

Write down when they happen, how long they last and what you were doing. This helps your doctor.