Heart Racing? Why Your Heart Skips and Medically Approved Next Steps

If your heart suddenly starts pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats, it can feel alarming. These sensations are commonly known as heart palpitations. While heart palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes signal an underlying medical issue that needs attention.

Understanding why they happen — and knowing what to do next — can help you respond calmly and appropriately.

---

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are the feeling that your heart is:

• Racing
• Skipping beats
• Fluttering
• Pounding
• Beating irregularly

You might notice them in your chest, throat, or neck. They can last seconds, minutes, or occasionally longer.

Many people experience heart palpitations at some point in their lives. In most cases, they are not dangerous. However, context matters.

---

Common Causes of Heart Palpitations

The heart is very responsive to physical and emotional changes. Even minor shifts in your body can trigger noticeable sensations.

1. Stress and Anxiety

Stress activates the body's "fight-or-flight" response. This releases adrenaline, which increases heart rate and may cause heart palpitations.

Common triggers include:

• Emotional stress
• Panic attacks
• Lack of sleep
• Major life events

2. Caffeine and Stimulants

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system. Too much can cause:

• Racing heartbeat
• Skipped beats
• Jitteriness

Sources include:

• Coffee
• Energy drinks
• Tea
• Chocolate
• Certain supplements

Nicotine and recreational drugs (such as cocaine or amphetamines) can also trigger serious heart rhythm changes.

3. Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones can cause heart palpitations, especially during:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Menstrual cycles
• Thyroid disorders (especially overactive thyroid)

4. Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance

Your heart relies on balanced electrolytes (like potassium and magnesium) to maintain rhythm. Low levels can contribute to irregular beats.

Common causes include:

• Excessive sweating
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Not drinking enough fluids

5. Medications

Some medications may trigger heart palpitations, including:

• Decongestants
• Asthma inhalers
• Thyroid medication
• Certain blood pressure medications

If symptoms began after starting a new medication, speak with your doctor.

---

When Heart Palpitations May Signal a Heart Rhythm Disorder

Sometimes, heart palpitations are caused by arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms.

Common types include:

• Premature atrial contractions (PACs) – early extra beats
• Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) – extra beats from the lower heart chambers
• Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – irregular, often rapid rhythm
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) – episodes of very fast heart rate

Many premature beats (PACs and PVCs) are considered benign arrhythmias, meaning they are not life-threatening in otherwise healthy people. If you're experiencing unexplained heart palpitations and want to understand whether your symptoms align with Benign Arrhythmias (Palpitations), a free AI-powered symptom checker can help you assess your situation and prepare informed questions for your healthcare provider.

---

Symptoms That Need Urgent Medical Attention

While many cases of heart palpitations are harmless, some require immediate care.

Seek emergency medical help if palpitations occur with:

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

These symptoms could signal a serious condition such as a heart attack or dangerous arrhythmia.

Do not ignore these warning signs.

---

How Doctors Evaluate Heart Palpitations

If you speak to a doctor about heart palpitations, they may:

Ask Questions About:

• When symptoms started
• How long they last
• What triggers them
• Any associated symptoms
• Family history of heart disease

Perform Tests Such As:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – records heart rhythm
• Holter monitor – portable ECG worn for 24–48 hours
• Event monitor – worn for longer-term tracking
• Blood tests – to check thyroid levels, electrolytes, or anemia
• Echocardiogram – ultrasound of the heart

These tools help determine whether the palpitations are benign or related to structural heart disease.

---

Medically Approved Next Steps You Can Take

If your heart palpitations are not accompanied by emergency symptoms, here are reasonable next steps:

1. Track Your Symptoms

Keep a simple log of:

• When they occur
• What you were doing
• What you had eaten or drank
• How long they lasted

This helps identify patterns and triggers.

2. Reduce Common Triggers

You may benefit from:

• Cutting back on caffeine
• Avoiding energy drinks
• Staying hydrated
• Reducing alcohol intake
• Getting 7–9 hours of sleep

3. Manage Stress

Stress reduction can significantly reduce heart palpitations.

Consider:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Gentle exercise like walking or yoga
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (if anxiety is frequent)

4. Exercise Regularly (If Cleared by Your Doctor)

Regular moderate exercise strengthens the heart and stabilizes rhythm for many people.

If you have known heart disease, speak to a doctor before starting new exercise routines.

5. Review Medications

If symptoms started after beginning a new medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop medications without medical advice.

---

Who Is at Higher Risk for Serious Causes?

Certain factors increase the likelihood that heart palpitations may reflect a more serious issue:

• History of heart disease
• Previous heart attack
• Congenital heart conditions
• Family history of sudden cardiac death
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Untreated thyroid disease

If you fall into one of these categories, it's especially important to speak to a doctor.

---

The Good News: Most Heart Palpitations Are Benign

For otherwise healthy individuals, occasional heart palpitations are often harmless.

Premature beats (extra heartbeats) are common and frequently detected even in healthy adults. Many people are simply more aware of their heartbeat during stress or quiet moments.

However, reassurance should come from evaluation — not assumption.

---

When to Schedule a Doctor's Appointment

Make a non-urgent appointment if:

• Palpitations are frequent or worsening
• They interfere with daily life
• You feel anxious about them
• You have underlying medical conditions

Your doctor can determine whether testing is needed or if lifestyle changes are sufficient.

---

Final Thoughts

Feeling your heart race or skip can be unsettling, but heart palpitations are common and often benign. The key is understanding the context:

• Are there concerning symptoms?
• Are there identifiable triggers?
• Do you have risk factors for heart disease?

If you're unsure, consider starting with a structured symptom review like the free, online symptom check for Benign Arrhythmias (Palpitations). Then take that information to a healthcare professional.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor immediately if your heart palpitations occur with chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, or other severe symptoms. These could signal a life-threatening condition and require urgent care.

When in doubt, it's always safer to get checked. Your heart is too important to ignore.