Heart Racing? Why Your Heart Needs a Cardiologist & Medically Approved Next Steps

A racing heart can feel alarming. Maybe it comes on suddenly. Maybe it wakes you up at night. Or maybe you notice your heart pounding even when you're resting.

Occasional changes in heart rate are normal. Stress, caffeine, exercise, dehydration, and lack of sleep can all make your heart beat faster. But when heart racing happens repeatedly, without a clear cause, or alongside other symptoms, it's time to consider speaking with a cardiologist.

Your heart is too important to ignore.

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What Does "Heart Racing" Actually Mean?

Most adults have a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute. When your heart beats faster than 100 beats per minute at rest, it's called tachycardia.

Heart racing may feel like:

• Pounding in your chest
• Fluttering or "flip-flopping"
• Skipped beats
• A sudden rapid rhythm
• A strong pulse in your neck

Sometimes it lasts seconds. Sometimes minutes. Occasionally, it can last much longer.

While not every episode is dangerous, some forms of rapid heartbeat can signal underlying heart rhythm problems that require evaluation by a cardiologist.

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When Is a Racing Heart Normal?

It's common for your heart rate to increase during:

• Exercise
• Anxiety or stress
• Fever
• Dehydration
• After caffeine or alcohol
• Certain medications (like decongestants)

In these cases, your heart speeds up for a reason and slows down once the trigger resolves.

But if your heart races:

• While you're resting
• Without an obvious cause
• Frequently or unpredictably
• With dizziness, chest pain, or fainting

You shouldn't ignore it.

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Why a Cardiologist Matters

A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions, including abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Primary care doctors are excellent at evaluating initial symptoms. But if your symptoms are recurring or concerning, a cardiologist has advanced tools and expertise to:

• Diagnose rhythm disorders accurately
• Distinguish between harmless palpitations and serious arrhythmias
• Identify structural heart issues
• Recommend targeted treatment
• Reduce long-term risks such as stroke or heart failure

Seeing a cardiologist doesn't automatically mean something is seriously wrong. It means you're taking your symptoms seriously.

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Common Causes of a Racing Heart

A cardiologist may evaluate you for several possible causes, including:

1. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

SVT is a common type of abnormal fast heart rhythm that starts in the upper chambers of the heart.

It often causes:

• Sudden rapid heartbeat
• Palpitations
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath

Episodes can start and stop abruptly. If these symptoms sound familiar, you can use a free Supraventricular Tachycardia symptom checker to help identify whether your racing heart could be related to this condition before your cardiologist appointment.

2. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

AFib causes an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. It becomes more common with age and increases stroke risk if untreated.

Symptoms may include:

• Irregular pulse
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations

3. Ventricular Tachycardia

This is less common but more serious. It begins in the lower chambers of the heart and can be life-threatening.

It requires immediate evaluation by a cardiologist or emergency care.

4. Thyroid Problems

An overactive thyroid can cause heart racing.

5. Anemia

Low red blood cell levels force the heart to work harder.

6. Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Anxiety can absolutely cause rapid heart rate. However, it's important not to assume anxiety is the cause until heart conditions are ruled out—especially if episodes are sudden or severe.

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Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Seek urgent medical attention or speak to a doctor immediately if heart racing is accompanied by:

• 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 can signal a life-threatening condition.

Do not wait if you experience these.

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What to Expect When You See a Cardiologist

If you visit a cardiologist for heart racing, the process is usually straightforward.

1. Detailed Medical History

Your cardiologist will ask about:

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

Be as specific as possible.

2. Physical Exam

Your pulse, blood pressure, and heart sounds will be checked.

3. Diagnostic Testing

Common tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Measures heart rhythm
• Holter monitor: Worn for 24–48 hours
• Event monitor: Worn for longer periods
• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound of the heart
• Blood tests (thyroid, anemia, electrolytes)

These tests help a cardiologist determine whether the heart rhythm is benign or needs treatment.

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Treatment Options a Cardiologist May Recommend

Treatment depends entirely on the cause.

Options may include:

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Reducing caffeine
• Staying hydrated
• Managing stress
• Improving sleep
• Limiting alcohol

Medications

• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Antiarrhythmic drugs
• Blood thinners (if stroke risk is present)

Procedures

• Catheter ablation (for certain rhythm disorders like SVT)
• Cardioversion (to reset heart rhythm)
• Implantable devices (in rare cases)

Many rhythm disorders are very treatable, especially when addressed early by a cardiologist.

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Why Early Evaluation Matters

Ignoring heart racing can lead to:

• Worsening symptoms
• Increased anxiety
• Stroke risk (in conditions like AFib)
• Rare but serious complications

On the other hand, many causes of heart racing are manageable once diagnosed.

The key is not to self-diagnose or delay evaluation.

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Practical Next Steps

If your heart has been racing unexpectedly, consider:

• Tracking episodes (time, duration, symptoms)
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol
• Staying hydrated
• Getting adequate sleep
• Scheduling a visit with your primary care doctor or a cardiologist
• Using reputable tools like a symptom check for Supraventricular Tachycardia before your appointment

Most importantly:

Speak to a doctor about any symptoms that could be serious or life-threatening.

Online information can guide you, but it cannot replace medical care.

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Final Thoughts

A racing heart is not something to panic about—but it is something to respect.

Your heart works continuously to keep you alive. When it signals that something may be off, listening is wise.

A cardiologist has the training, tools, and expertise to determine whether your symptoms are harmless or require treatment. Many heart rhythm issues are highly treatable. Some are preventable from becoming more serious with early care.

If your heart has been racing, don't ignore it.
Don't assume it's "just stress."
And don't wait if symptoms feel severe.

Take the next step. Track your symptoms. Consider a reputable symptom check. And speak to a doctor about anything that could be serious.

Your heart deserves that level of care.