Learn what heart palpitations may feel like, the most common causes, when they are usually harmless, when you should arrange a GP appointment and when urgent medical attention may be needed.

Important Medical Information

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace an individual consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Heart palpitations are a common symptom and, in many cases, are not caused by a serious heart condition. However, because palpitations can have many different causes, it is important to assess them in the context of your overall health, your medical history and any associated symptoms.

If your palpitations are persistent, becoming more frequent, occurring for the first time or are accompanied by concerning symptoms, you should seek medical advice.

If palpitations occur together with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, collapse, loss of consciousness, sudden weakness affecting one side of the body or another suspected medical emergency, call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department immediately.

Quick Summary

If you only have one minute, here are the key points.

• Heart palpitations are a common reason for visiting a GP.
• Many palpitations are not caused by serious heart disease.
• Common causes include stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, certain medications and heart rhythm disturbances.
• The pattern of your symptoms is often more important than the sensation itself.
• Most people do not require extensive investigations.
• Your GP will decide whether blood tests, an ECG or further heart assessment may be appropriate.
• Some symptoms occurring alongside palpitations require immediate emergency assessment.

At a Glance

Question	Answer
Are heart palpitations common?	Yes. They are one of the most common symptoms assessed in primary care.
Do palpitations always mean heart disease?	No. Many episodes have non-cardiac causes.
Should recurrent palpitations be assessed?	Yes, particularly if they are new, persistent or changing.
Does everyone need a heart scan?	No. Investigations depend on your symptoms and clinical assessment.
Who should I see first?	A GP is usually the most appropriate first point of contact.

📌 Important to Remember

Heart palpitations are a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Feeling your heart beating differently does not automatically mean there is a problem with your heart. However, understanding why the palpitations are occurring is essential before deciding whether treatment or further investigations are needed.

Common Causes of Heart Palpitations at a Glance

Possible cause	Usually serious?	GP assessment recommended?
Stress or anxiety	Usually not	If symptoms are recurrent or affecting daily life
Caffeine or energy drinks	Usually not	If symptoms continue despite reducing intake
Alcohol	Usually not	If episodes become frequent
Dehydration	Usually not	If symptoms persist
Certain medications	Sometimes	Yes
Thyroid disorders	Sometimes	Yes
Anaemia	Sometimes	Yes
Heart rhythm disorders	Sometimes	Yes, particularly if symptoms are persistent

When Heart Palpitations Are Often Not Serious

Many healthy people experience occasional palpitations.

Episodes may occur:

• after drinking several cups of coffee;
• during periods of emotional stress;
• after strenuous exercise;
• after poor sleep;
• following alcohol consumption;
• during periods of anxiety.

In many cases, the sensation settles without treatment and does not indicate underlying heart disease.

However, a GP should always assess palpitations that become more frequent, last longer or occur together with other symptoms.

Why This Topic Matters

Almost everyone becomes aware of their heartbeat from time to time.

Some people describe:

• a racing heart;
• skipped beats;
• fluttering in the chest;
• pounding in the neck;
• an irregular heartbeat.

Although these sensations can feel alarming, they do not all have the same cause.

Some episodes are triggered by temporary lifestyle factors, while others may be related to medical conditions that require assessment.

For this reason, understanding the pattern, frequency and associated symptoms is often more useful than simply describing the sensation itself.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations refer to an increased awareness of your heartbeat.

People commonly describe them as:

• beating faster than usual;
• beating harder;
• fluttering;
• pounding;
• skipping beats;
• beating irregularly.

Some people notice palpitations only occasionally.

Others experience them repeatedly over weeks or months.

The sensation may last:

• a few seconds;
• several minutes;
• occasionally longer.

Not Every Fast Heartbeat Is a Palpitation

One of the biggest misconceptions is that every fast heartbeat represents a heart problem.

In reality, your heart naturally beats faster during situations such as:

• exercise;
• excitement;
• fear;
• emotional stress;
• fever.

This is a normal physiological response.

Palpitations become more important when they occur unexpectedly, without an obvious trigger, become recurrent or are accompanied by additional symptoms.

What Information Helps Your GP?

When assessing palpitations, your GP is interested in far more than simply whether your heart is beating quickly.

Useful information includes:

• when the symptoms started;
• how often they occur;
• how long each episode lasts;
• whether they begin suddenly or gradually;
• whether they occur during exercise or at rest;
• whether they wake you from sleep;
• whether they are associated with dizziness, chest pain or breathlessness;
• whether caffeine, alcohol or stress appear to trigger them.

This information often provides valuable diagnostic clues before any investigations are requested.

Why You Should Avoid Self-Diagnosis

Searching online after experiencing palpitations is understandable.

However, identical symptoms can have very different causes.

For example, one person may experience occasional palpitations after drinking several coffees, while another may have symptoms related to anaemia, thyroid disease or a heart rhythm disturbance.

Because of this, your GP considers the whole clinical picture rather than focusing on one symptom in isolation.

During your consultation, they may review:

• your medical history;
• current medication;
• family history of heart disease;
• blood pressure;
• pulse;
• lifestyle factors;
• recent illnesses;
• associated symptoms.

Only after considering these factors can the most appropriate next steps be recommended.

Common Causes of Heart Palpitations

Although heart palpitations can feel worrying, most people assessed by a GP do not have a serious heart condition.

Many episodes are linked to temporary lifestyle factors or common medical conditions that can be identified and managed appropriately.

The key is understanding what is triggering the palpitations, how often they occur and whether they are accompanied by other symptoms.

Common Causes Compared

Possible cause	Typical features	Usually serious?
Stress or anxiety	Racing heart during emotional situations	Usually not
Caffeine	Symptoms after coffee, tea or energy drinks	Usually not
Alcohol	Often occurs later the same day or overnight	Usually not
Dehydration	Palpitations with dizziness or thirst	Usually not
Thyroid disorders	Fast heartbeat with weight loss or tremor	Assessment recommended
Anaemia	Palpitations with tiredness or breathlessness	Assessment recommended
Certain medications	Symptoms after starting a medicine	Assessment recommended
Heart rhythm disorders	Recurrent or unexplained episodes	Medical assessment recommended

Stress And Anxiety

Stress is one of the most common triggers for heart palpitations.

During periods of anxiety, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline that naturally increase heart rate.

People often notice:

• a racing heartbeat;
• pounding in the chest;
• fluttering sensations;
• palpitations during stressful situations;
• symptoms that improve once they feel calmer.

Although anxiety can certainly cause palpitations, it should never automatically be assumed to be the explanation without considering other possible causes.

Caffeine

Caffeine affects everyone differently.

For some people, several cups of coffee cause no symptoms, while others notice palpitations after much smaller amounts.

Sources of caffeine include:

• coffee;
• tea;
• energy drinks;
• cola drinks;
• some pre-workout supplements.

If you regularly experience palpitations after consuming caffeine, reducing your intake may help. However, if symptoms continue despite avoiding caffeine, it is sensible to arrange a GP assessment.

Alcohol

Alcohol may also trigger palpitations in some people.

Episodes often occur:

• later in the evening;
• during the night;
• the morning after drinking;
• following larger amounts of alcohol than usual.

Not everyone experiences this effect, but recurrent symptoms deserve further assessment, particularly if they continue after reducing alcohol intake.

Dehydration

When the body loses more fluid than it takes in, the heart may need to work harder to maintain normal circulation.

As a result, some people notice:

• a faster heartbeat;
• light-headedness;
• dizziness;
• thirst;
• fatigue.

Drinking enough fluids may reduce symptoms when dehydration is the underlying cause.

➡  Dizziness: When Should You See a GP?

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland helps regulate many functions throughout the body, including heart rate.

An overactive thyroid may contribute to:

• a rapid heartbeat;
• palpitations;
• weight loss;
• tremor;
• increased sweating.

If your symptoms or medical history suggest a thyroid condition, your GP may recommend appropriate blood tests.

➡ Private Blood Tests in Richmond

Anaemia

Anaemia can make the heart work harder to deliver oxygen throughout the body.

This may lead to:

• palpitations;
• tiredness;
• shortness of breath;
• reduced exercise tolerance;
• dizziness.

If clinically appropriate, your GP may recommend blood tests to investigate whether anaemia is contributing to your symptoms.

➡ Iron, Ferritin or Vitamins? What Blood Tests May Actually Matter for Tiredness and Low Energy

Medication Side Effects

Some medicines may occasionally cause palpitations.

Examples include certain medications used to treat:

• asthma;
• thyroid disorders;
• attention deficit disorders;
• nasal congestion;
• some heart conditions.

Never stop prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor first.

Instead, mention any new or worsening symptoms during your consultation.

Heart Rhythm Disorders

Although less common than lifestyle-related causes, some palpitations are caused by changes in the heart’s normal electrical rhythm.

These conditions are known as arrhythmias.

Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others require further investigation or treatment.

For this reason, persistent or recurrent palpitations should always be assessed rather than dismissed.

Could It Be A Heart Problem?

One of the biggest concerns for many patients is whether palpitations automatically mean heart disease.

Fortunately, the answer is usually no.

However, your GP will look for features that may suggest a higher likelihood of an underlying cardiac condition.

These include:

• symptoms during exercise;
• collapse or fainting;
• chest pain;
• significant breathlessness;
• a family history of certain heart conditions;
• persistent irregular heartbeats.

If these features are present, further assessment may be recommended.

➡ AI-Powered Heart Screening

➡ Chest Pain: When Should You See a GP and When Is It an Emergency?

How Does A GP Assess Heart Palpitations?

A diagnosis is rarely made from the symptom alone.

Instead, your GP combines your description of the palpitations with your medical history, examination findings and, where appropriate, further investigations.

During your consultation, they may ask:

• When did the palpitations first begin?
• How often do they occur?
• How long does each episode last?
• Does your heart feel fast, irregular or as though it skips beats?
• Are symptoms triggered by exercise, caffeine or stress?
• Do they occur during the day or wake you at night?
• Have you experienced chest pain, dizziness or breathlessness?
• What medications do you currently take?

These questions often provide valuable clues that help determine whether further investigations are necessary.

Common Myths About Heart Palpitations

Myth: Every palpitation means there is something wrong with the heart.

Reality: Many palpitations are caused by temporary or non-cardiac factors.

Myth: Young people cannot have heart rhythm problems.

Reality: Although many young people experience harmless palpitations, symptoms should still be assessed when appropriate.

Myth: If palpitations disappear, they do not matter.

Reality: Recurrent episodes are still worth discussing with your GP.

Myth: Everyone with palpitations needs an ECG, heart scan or specialist.

Reality: Investigations depend on your symptoms, examination and clinical history.

Myth: Cutting out coffee always solves the problem.

Reality: Caffeine is only one of many possible triggers.

When Should You See a GP About Heart Palpitations?

Occasional heart palpitations are common and, in many people, are not caused by a serious heart condition.

However, new, persistent or changing palpitations should never be ignored, particularly if they begin to affect your daily life or occur together with other symptoms.

One of the most important things to remember is that the pattern of your symptoms is often more significant than a single isolated episode.

For example, a brief flutter after several coffees is very different from recurrent palpitations that occur without an obvious trigger or repeatedly wake you during the night.

A GP assessment aims to identify the underlying cause, determine whether further investigations are appropriate and provide reassurance where possible.

When Should You Book a GP Appointment?

You should arrange a GP appointment if your palpitations:

• are new or becoming more frequent;
• last longer than usual;
• occur regularly without an obvious trigger;
• wake you during the night;
• interfere with work, exercise or daily activities;
• occur together with dizziness or light-headedness;
• are associated with breathlessness;
• begin after starting a new medication;
• cause concern, even if they settle quickly.

Seeking medical advice early does not necessarily mean that a serious condition is suspected.

Instead, it allows your GP to assess the symptom properly and decide whether reassurance, treatment or further investigations are needed.

Red Flag Symptoms: When Should You Call 999?

Although most palpitations are not an emergency, some situations require immediate medical attention.

Call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department immediately if palpitations occur together with:

• chest pain;
• severe shortness of breath;
• collapse or loss of consciousness;
• sudden weakness affecting one side of the body;
• difficulty speaking;
• sudden confusion;
• severe dizziness leading to fainting;
• seizures;
• another suspected medical emergency.

These symptoms do not always indicate a serious condition, but they should always be assessed urgently.

What Happens During a GP Appointment?

Diagnosing palpitations begins with a detailed medical history.

Rather than focusing only on your heartbeat, your GP will consider your overall health.

You may be asked:

• When did the palpitations first begin?
• How often do they occur?
• How long does each episode last?
• Does your heart feel fast, irregular or as though it skips beats?
• Do symptoms occur during exercise or at rest?
• Do caffeine, alcohol or stress appear to trigger them?
• Have you experienced chest pain, dizziness or breathlessness?
• Have you recently been unwell?
• What medications or supplements do you take?
• Is there a family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac death?

These answers often provide valuable information before any investigations are arranged.

Physical Examination

Depending on your symptoms, your GP may perform a physical examination.

This may include:

• checking your pulse;
• measuring your blood pressure;
• listening to your heart;
• examining your chest;
• assessing your general health;
• looking for signs that may suggest thyroid disease or anaemia.

A careful history together with a physical examination often provides enough information to decide whether further investigations are necessary.

What Tests Might Be Recommended?

Not everyone with heart palpitations needs investigations.

However, depending on your symptoms, your GP may recommend one or more of the following.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart.

It can help identify certain heart rhythm abnormalities if they are present at the time of the test.

Heart Rhythm Monitoring

If palpitations occur only occasionally, your GP may recommend longer-term heart rhythm monitoring.

This records your heartbeat over an extended period and may help identify intermittent rhythm disturbances.

Blood Tests

Blood tests do not diagnose palpitations directly.

However, they may identify medical conditions that contribute to the symptom.

Depending on your clinical assessment, your GP may request tests to check:

• thyroid function;
• iron levels;
• ferritin;
• vitamin B12;
• full blood count;
• blood glucose;
• kidney function;
• electrolyte levels.

At Evergreen Richmond, GP-led blood testing allows investigations to be selected according to your individual symptoms rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

When Might Further Heart Assessment Be Helpful?

Most people with palpitations do not have significant heart disease.

However, if your symptoms, examination or medical history suggest that further assessment would be beneficial, your GP may recommend additional cardiovascular investigations.

This may be particularly appropriate if you have:

• recurrent unexplained palpitations;
• symptoms during exercise;
• a family history of certain heart conditions;
• abnormal examination findings;
• other cardiovascular risk factors.

Can Heart Palpitations Be Prevented?

Prevention depends on the underlying cause.

However, some people notice fewer episodes by:

• reducing excessive caffeine intake;
• limiting alcohol;
• staying well hydrated;
• getting enough sleep;
• managing stress effectively;
• avoiding recreational drugs;
• reviewing medications with their GP when appropriate.

These measures may help reduce symptoms, although they are not a substitute for medical assessment if palpitations continue.

Common Mistakes People Make

Some habits may delay diagnosis or create unnecessary anxiety.

Common examples include:

• assuming every palpitation means heart disease;
• ignoring recurrent symptoms for months;
• stopping prescribed medication without medical advice;
• relying solely on information found online;
• requesting investigations before having a clinical assessment.

A GP consultation is usually the most appropriate first step because it helps determine whether any further tests are genuinely needed.

Key Takeaways

✔ Heart palpitations are common and often have non-serious causes.

✔ Stress, caffeine, alcohol, dehydration and some medications are frequent triggers.

✔ Persistent, recurrent or changing palpitations should be assessed by a GP.

✔ Blood tests, ECGs and heart monitoring are recommended only when clinically appropriate.

✔ Palpitations associated with chest pain, collapse or severe breathlessness require urgent medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are heart palpitations always a sign of heart disease?

No. Many episodes are related to lifestyle factors or other medical conditions rather than heart disease.

Can stress really cause heart palpitations?

Yes. Stress and anxiety can increase adrenaline levels, making you more aware of your heartbeat.

Is caffeine always the cause?

No. Although caffeine can trigger palpitations in some people, many other possible causes should also be considered.

Will I need an ECG?

Not necessarily. Your GP will decide whether an ECG or other investigations are appropriate based on your symptoms and examination.

Can blood tests help?

Yes. Blood tests may identify conditions such as anaemia or thyroid disorders that can contribute to palpitations.

Should I stop exercising?

Not usually. However, if palpitations consistently occur during exercise or are accompanied by chest pain, dizziness or fainting, you should seek medical advice before continuing strenuous activity.

When should I call 999?

Call 999 immediately if palpitations occur together with chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness or another suspected medical emergency.

Related Health Advice

You may also find these articles helpful:

• Chest Pain: When Should You See a GP and When Is It an Emergency?
• Dizziness: When Should You See a GP?
• Persistent Headaches: When Should You See a GP?
• Health Screening Packages: What Should You Check Every Year?

Take the Next Step: Speak to an Experienced Private GP

Heart palpitations are often harmless, but they should never be dismissed if they are new, persistent, becoming more frequent or affecting your daily life.

At Evergreen Richmond Medical, our experienced Private GPs take the time to understand your symptoms, review your medical history and carry out a comprehensive assessment to determine the most appropriate next steps. Where clinically indicated, we can arrange on-site blood tests, perform an initial cardiovascular assessment and advise whether additional heart investigations or specialist referral may be appropriate.

Whether you are looking for reassurance or need help understanding recurring palpitations, an early assessment can help identify potential underlying causes and ensure you receive the right care without unnecessary delay.

Book your Private GP appointment today and let our experienced team help you understand what may be causing your heart palpitations.