Types of palpitations

Palpitations are usually described by what the heart is doing. A heart tracing (ECG) is needed to know for sure.

Extra or skipped beats (ectopic beats)

• Premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs): feel like a skipped beat or a thump. Common and usually harmless in people with a healthy heart.

Fast regular rhythms

• Sinus tachycardia: a normal fast rate from exercise, fever, anxiety or anaemia
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): a very fast regular rate that starts and stops abruptly
• Ventricular tachycardia: a fast rhythm from the lower chambers, which can be dangerous and needs urgent care

Fast irregular rhythm

• Atrial fibrillation: an irregular, often rapid pulse. It raises the risk of stroke and needs treatment.

Slow rhythms

• Bradycardia or heart block can cause a pounding heartbeat or dizziness in some people

By cause

• Non-cardiac palpitations: from stress, caffeine, thyroid disease or anaemia
• Cardiac palpitations: from heart rhythm or structural disease

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda does not match these rhythm types exactly. It speaks of Vata-type (irregular, fluttering) and Pitta-type (hot, racing) palpitations. This is an interpretive framework.

See a doctor if your pulse is irregular, very fast or very slow, or you have a known heart condition.

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

A rhythm strip during symptoms is the most useful test. Ask about a Holter monitor or event recorder.