OverviewHeart palpitations (pal-pih-TAY-shuns) are feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart. Stress, exercise, medication or, rarely, a medical condition can trigger them. Show
Although heart palpitations can be worrisome, they're usually harmless. Rarely, heart palpitations can be a symptom of a more serious heart condition, such as an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), that might require treatment. SymptomsHeart palpitations can feel like the heart is:
Heart palpitations may be felt in the throat or neck as well as the chest. They can occur during activity or at rest. When to see a doctorPalpitations that are infrequent and last only a few seconds usually don't need to be evaluated. If you have a history of heart disease and have palpitations that occur frequently or worsen, talk to your health care provider. You may need heart-monitoring tests to see if the palpitations are caused by a more serious heart problem. Seek emergency medical attention if heart palpitations occur with:
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Occasionally heart palpitations can be a sign of a serious problem, such as an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Arrhythmias might cause a very fast heartbeat (tachycardia), an unusually slow heartbeat (bradycardia), a heartbeat that varies from a typical heart rhythm or a combination of the three. Risk factorsRisk factors for heart palpitations include:
ComplicationsFor palpitations caused by a heart condition, possible complications may include:
March 11, 2022
RelatedAssociated ProceduresHeart palpitations are when your heartbeat becomes more noticeable. They're usually harmless, but get help if you keep getting them or you also have other symptoms. When you have heart palpitations, your heartbeat feels uncomfortable or unusual. You may feel it in your chest, neck or throat. Your heartbeat may
feel like it is: Heart palpitations can last seconds, minutes or longer. Heart palpitations are common and not usually a sign
of anything serious. Common causes include:
Sometimes heart palpitations can be a sign you're going through the menopause. Some people get them during pregnancy. Less often, they can be caused by a condition such as iron deficiency anaemia, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or a heart rhythm problem (arrhythmia). Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:You have heart palpitations and:
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:You currently have heart palpitations with any of these symptoms:
Find your nearest A&E Information: If you've had these symptoms but they've now stopped, ask your GP surgery for an urgent appointment, call 111 or get help from 111 online. Treatment for heart palpitationsTreatment for heart palpitations depends on the cause. They often do not need to be treated. Avoiding things that can trigger palpitations, such as stress, smoking, caffeine and alcohol, can help. You may have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to help find out what the cause might be. This is a test where small pads are stuck to your skin to check the electrical signals coming from your heart. If your palpitations are caused by a heart problem, you may need medicines or a procedure to help correct your heartbeat. Page last reviewed: 07 June 2022 Are skipped heart beats serious?A premature heartbeat may feel like your heart skipped a beat. These extra beats are generally not concerning, and they seldom mean you have a more serious condition. Still, a premature beat can trigger a longer-lasting arrhythmia, especially in people with heart disease.
When should you worry about skipped heart beats?Palpitations can be a sign of a heart problem. This is more likely in men or people with heart disease. If your palpitations are frequent, worsening, or lasting more than five minutes, speak with your doctor about your symptoms.
How do you fix a heart that skips a beat?The best way to stop palpitations is to make sure they never start:. Lower stress. Try relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.. Avoid stimulants. Caffeine, nicotine, certain cold medicines, and even energy drinks can cause an irregular heartbeat.. Don't use illegal drugs.. Is it normal for your heart to miss a beat?Most of the time that your heart skips a beat, it's nothing to worry about. However, some symptoms can be a sign of a more serious condition. If you experience palpitations and any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention: chest pain or discomfort.
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