Heart Palpitations After 65: Normal Aging or a Warning Sign?

Heart Palpitations After 65: Normal Aging or a Warning Sign?

Feeling your heart flutter, race, skip, or pound can be unsettling—especially after age 65. Heart palpitations are common, and in many cases they are harmless. But sometimes they can signal an underlying heart rhythm issue or another medical condition that deserves attention. The key is understanding what's normal with aging, what's not, and when to seek help.

This guide explains heart palpitations in clear, practical terms, drawing on established medical knowledge and clinical experience—without unnecessary alarm.

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What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations describe the sensation of being unusually aware of your heartbeat. People often describe them as:

• A fluttering or "flip-flop" feeling
• A racing or pounding heart
• Skipped beats or pauses
• A heartbeat that feels irregular

Palpitations can last seconds, minutes, or longer. They may happen at rest, during activity, or when lying down at night.

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Why Do Heart Palpitations Become More Common After 65?

As we age, the heart and the electrical system that controls it naturally change. These changes don't always cause problems, but they can make palpitations more noticeable.

Common age-related reasons include:

• Changes in heart tissue that affect electrical signaling
• Slower metabolism of medications, making side effects more likely
• Increased sensitivity to stimulants, such as caffeine or alcohol
• More chronic health conditions, like high blood pressure or thyroid disease

For many older adults, occasional palpitations are simply part of aging—not a medical emergency.

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Benign (Harmless) Causes of Heart Palpitations

Many heart palpitations are considered benign, meaning they are not dangerous and do not increase the risk of serious heart problems.

Common benign causes include:

• Premature atrial or ventricular contractions (PACs or PVCs)
  • Extra beats that are very common with age
  • Often felt as a "skip" or brief flutter
• Stress or emotional upset
• Dehydration
• Caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine
• Poor sleep or fatigue
• Mild electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium or magnesium

In these cases, palpitations often come and go and may improve with lifestyle changes.

If you're experiencing occasional heart flutters or skipped beats and want to better understand whether they might be harmless, our free AI-powered Benign Arrhythmias (Palpitations) symptom checker can help you assess your symptoms in just a few minutes.

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When Heart Palpitations May Be a Warning Sign

While many palpitations are harmless, some should not be ignored—especially after age 65.

Heart palpitations may signal a more serious issue when they are caused by:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
  • A common irregular rhythm in older adults
  • Increases the risk of stroke if untreated
• Other arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia or ventricular arrhythmias
• Heart disease, including prior heart attack or heart failure
• Valve problems, which become more common with age
• Thyroid disorders, particularly an overactive thyroid
• Anemia or infection

These conditions don't always cause dramatic symptoms, which is why ongoing palpitations should be evaluated.

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Red Flags That Need Prompt Medical Attention

Do not ignore heart palpitations if they occur with any of the following:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or near-fainting
• Sudden weakness or confusion
• Palpitations that last longer than a few minutes and do not settle

These symptoms can point to a potentially life-threatening condition. If this happens, seek urgent medical care and speak to a doctor immediately.

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How Doctors Evaluate Heart Palpitations After 65

If you report palpitations, your doctor will usually start with a careful and step-by-step approach.

This may include:

• A detailed history
  • When the palpitations occur
  • How long they last
  • Triggers such as caffeine, stress, or exercise
• Physical examination
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to look at heart rhythm
• Blood tests, including thyroid and electrolyte levels
• Heart monitoring
  • Holter monitor or event monitor worn at home
• Echocardiogram to evaluate heart structure and valves

Not everyone needs all of these tests. Many people are reassured after basic evaluation.

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Managing and Reducing Heart Palpitations

Treatment depends on the cause. For benign palpitations, simple changes can make a real difference.

Helpful strategies include:

• Staying well hydrated
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Avoiding nicotine
• Managing stress through relaxation or gentle exercise
• Improving sleep habits
• Reviewing medications with your doctor

If an underlying condition is found, treatment may involve medications, addressing thyroid or blood issues, or managing heart rhythm problems.

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Are Heart Palpitations Inevitable With Aging?

No—but they are more common.

Many adults over 65 experience heart palpitations at some point and never develop serious heart disease. Others discover a treatable rhythm condition early, which can significantly reduce future risks.

The most important step is not ignoring new or persistent symptoms.

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A Balanced Perspective: Stay Aware, Not Alarmed

It's normal to feel concerned when your heart doesn't feel "right." At the same time, most palpitations in older adults are manageable and often harmless.

A good approach includes:

• Paying attention to your body
• Not dismissing recurring symptoms
• Avoiding panic over occasional, brief palpitations
• Seeking medical advice when something feels different or persistent

Before your doctor's appointment, you can use a free online tool to check your symptoms for Benign Arrhythmias (Palpitations), which can help you organize your concerns and communicate more effectively with your healthcare provider—though this should never replace professional medical evaluation.

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The Bottom Line

Heart palpitations after 65 can be part of normal aging—but they can also be an early warning sign. The difference lies in the pattern, frequency, and associated symptoms.

• Occasional, brief palpitations without other symptoms are often benign
• Frequent, worsening, or symptomatic palpitations deserve evaluation
• Some rhythm problems are serious but highly treatable when caught early

If you experience heart palpitations—especially if they are new, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms—speak to a doctor. When it comes to heart health, informed attention is far safer than ignoring the signs.