Heart Palpitations? Why Your Heart Is Racing & Medical Next Steps

If your heart suddenly feels like it's racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats, you're experiencing what doctors call heart palpitations. They can feel alarming, but they're common—and in many cases, they're not dangerous.

Still, your heart is a vital organ. When something feels off, it deserves attention.

Below, we'll explain what heart palpitations are, what causes them, when they may signal something serious, and what medical steps to take next.

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What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are sensations that make you unusually aware of your heartbeat. You may feel:

• A racing heart
• A pounding or thumping sensation
• Fluttering in your chest
• Skipped or extra beats
• A flip-flopping feeling
• A strong pulse in your throat or neck

They can happen while you're active—or even while resting quietly.

Sometimes they last seconds. Other times, they may persist for minutes or longer.

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Why Is My Heart Racing?

Your heart naturally speeds up in response to certain triggers. That's normal. But when the sensation feels unexpected or intense, it can raise concern.

Here are the most common causes.

1. Stress and Anxiety

Emotional stress activates your body's "fight or flight" response. This releases adrenaline, which:

• Increases heart rate
• Raises blood pressure
• Makes your heart beat more forcefully

Panic attacks can make your heart race suddenly and intensely, sometimes with shortness of breath or dizziness.

2. Caffeine and Stimulants

Coffee, energy drinks, nicotine, and some cold medications stimulate your heart.

You may notice palpitations after:

• Drinking strong coffee
• Using decongestants
• Smoking
• Taking certain ADHD medications

Reducing stimulant intake often helps.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormones strongly influence the heart.

Palpitations are common during:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Menstrual cycles
• Thyroid disorders

An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is a well-known cause of a racing heart.

4. Exercise

During physical activity, your heart rate rises to deliver more oxygen to your muscles. That's healthy.

However, if your heart continues racing long after you've stopped, it's worth mentioning to a doctor.

5. Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance

Your heart relies on balanced electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. Dehydration can disrupt this balance, triggering palpitations.

6. Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)

Sometimes palpitations are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart.

Common arrhythmias include:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
• Premature atrial or ventricular contractions (PACs or PVCs)

Some arrhythmias are harmless. Others require treatment.

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When Are Heart Palpitations Serious?

Most palpitations are not life-threatening. However, some symptoms signal the need for urgent medical care.

Seek immediate medical attention if your racing heart happens with:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting or near fainting
• Severe dizziness
• Sudden weakness
• A history of heart disease

These may indicate a serious heart condition, including heart rhythm disorders or even a heart attack.

Do not ignore these symptoms.

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How Doctors Evaluate Heart Palpitations

If you see a doctor about heart palpitations, they will start with a detailed history.

They may ask:

• When did the symptoms start?
• How long do they last?
• What were you doing at the time?
• Do you consume caffeine or alcohol?
• Do you have anxiety or thyroid issues?
• Is there a family history of heart disease?

Next, they may recommend tests such as:

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

Measures the electrical activity of your heart.

Holter Monitor

A wearable device that records your heart rhythm for 24–48 hours.

Event Monitor

Used for intermittent symptoms over several weeks.

Blood Tests

To check thyroid levels, electrolytes, anemia, or infection.

Echocardiogram

An ultrasound to assess heart structure and function.

These tests help determine whether the issue is benign—or something requiring treatment.

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Treatment Options for a Racing Heart

Treatment depends on the cause.

Lifestyle Changes

If palpitations are mild and linked to lifestyle factors, your doctor may recommend:

• Reducing caffeine
• Avoiding nicotine
• Limiting alcohol
• Managing stress
• Staying hydrated
• Getting adequate sleep

Stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and regular exercise can stabilize your heart rhythm over time.

Medications

If an arrhythmia is diagnosed, medications may be prescribed to:

• Slow heart rate
• Regulate rhythm
• Control blood pressure

Common drug classes include beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.

Procedures

In some cases, especially with persistent rhythm disorders, procedures like catheter ablation may be recommended to correct abnormal electrical pathways in the heart.

Your cardiologist will guide this decision carefully.

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Can You Check Your Symptoms First?

If you're unsure whether your symptoms warrant urgent care, a good first step is to use a free AI-powered heart palpitation symptom checker to help identify possible causes and understand the level of urgency before deciding your next steps.

It does not replace a doctor—but it can be a helpful first step.

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How to Calm a Racing Heart at Home

If your heart starts racing and you feel otherwise well, you can try:

• Slow, deep breathing
• Splashing cold water on your face
• Gently bearing down as if having a bowel movement (vagal maneuver—only if advised by a doctor)
• Sitting or lying down calmly

If symptoms worsen or don't resolve, seek medical care.

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Preventing Future Heart Palpitations

To support long-term heart health:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
• Treat thyroid disorders
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid excessive stimulants

Regular checkups are important—especially if you're over 40 or have cardiovascular risk factors.

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The Bottom Line

Heart palpitations are common. In many cases, they are caused by stress, caffeine, hormonal shifts, or dehydration—not serious heart disease.

However, because your heart is essential to your life and health, it's important not to dismiss persistent or severe symptoms.

Pay attention to:

• Frequency
• Duration
• Associated symptoms
• Family history

If you are ever unsure, start with a heart palpitation symptom checker and then speak to a doctor—especially if symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath.

Your heart works nonstop for you. Listening to it—and acting when something feels wrong—is one of the most important health decisions you can make.