Contrary to popular belief, heart palpitations aren’t always warning signs of devastating conditions like a heart attack. In fact, in some situations it’s completely normal and expected to experience it.
The NHS notes: “Heart palpitations are common and not usually a sign of anything serious. They’re usually harmless, but get help if you keep getting them or you also have other symptoms.”
Some of the circumstances that often cause harmless heart palpitations are:
- Strenuous exercise
- Lack of sleep
- Stress and anxiety
- Some medicines
- Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and recreational drugs
Heart palpitations can also be a sign of menopause. Some people may also start to experience heart palpitations during pregnancy, this is also usually harmless.
The harmless forms of heart palpitations usually don’t need any treatment. But avoiding things that trigger it such as stress or alcohol can help.
The condition is often described as an uncomfortable or unusual feeling in the chest, neck or throat. You may feel that your heart is beating too fast, skipping beats, pounding or fluttering.
Most people only experience this for a few minutes or seconds but it can last longer. If you have a diagnosed heart condition or a family history of heart problems and experience heart palpitations the NHS advises getting a GP appointment.
Some people may mistake this condition for serious medical events like heart attacks or heart failure. While it can be a sign of these issues, palpitations can also indicate more manageable problems like an overactive thyroid or iron deficiency.
However, if you’re having heart palpitations alongside certain other symptoms it’s best to call 999 or get to A&E. These include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling faint or actually fainting
The NHS warns: “Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you.”
Additionally, if your heart palpitations keep coming back or start getting worse it’s best to seek professional help. More information can be found on the NHS website or by consulting with your doctor.
Treatment for serious heart palpitations will differ depending on what’s caused it. For example, some heart problems will require medication or surgery while other treatments rely on simple lifestyle changes.
The cause for your palpitations may be diagnosed using an electrocardiogram, ECG. Which is a test where small pads are stuck to your skin to check your heart’s electrical signals.
