When Are Heart Palpitations Serious Enough to See a Doctor?

Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center

Supervised by Kenji Taylor, MD

If you experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, a feeling like you might lose consciousness, or the palpitations seem to be getting worse, you should discuss with a health care provider.

Explanation

While palpitations are commonly and most often benign, some worrisome signs include:

Chest discomfort or pain
Difficulty breathing or catching your breath
Feeling as though you might lose consciousness
Worsening of the palpitations in frequency, duration or severity

Palpitations run the gamut of benign to life-threatening so if you are concerned, talk with your health care provider.

(References)

Govender I, Nashed KK, Rangiah S, Okeke S, Maphasha OM. Palpitations: Evaluation and management by primary care practitioners. S Afr Fam Pract (2004). 2022 Feb 24;64(1):e1-e8. doi: 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5449. PMID: 35261258; PMCID: PMC8905373.

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