Palpitations are sensations of a rapid, forceful, or irregular heartbeat that can feel like pounding, fluttering, or skipped beats in the chest, throat, or neck and are often described as an uncomfortable awareness of the heartbeat.
How do patients describe palpitations?
Patients frequently describe palpitations as a fluttering, pounding, irregular, or racing sensation in the chest, throat, or neck, or simply as an increased awareness of their heartbeat.
Descriptions vary because everyone experiences their heartbeat differently. Some notice palpitations more when they're resting or stressed. If they come with dizziness, chest pain, or fainting, see a doctor. The American Heart Association (AHA) says palpitations send many people to the doctor, though they're rarely serious.
How do you describe a fluttering feeling?
A fluttering feeling is often described as a rapid, irregular, or intermittent sensation where the heart seems to flip, skip, or vibrate, lasting seconds to minutes.
Some people compare it to a fish flopping around in their chest. Others feel a brief pause followed by a hard thump. The sensation might come and go or stick around. Occasional fluttering usually isn't anything to worry about, but if it happens often, get it checked out. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress, caffeine, and dehydration can bring on these flutters.
What is the feeling of palpitate?
Palpitations feel like your heart is beating too hard, too fast, skipping beats, or fluttering in your chest, throat, or neck and may be accompanied by a sense of unease or alarm.
You might notice it more when you're lying down or after you've been active. While it's usually harmless, palpitations can sometimes point to a heart rhythm problem. The CDC warns that if palpitations come with shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting, you should get medical help right away.
What is the difference between palpitations and fluttering?
Palpitations refer to the sensation of an abnormal heartbeat, which can include fluttering, pounding, racing, or skipped beats, while fluttering specifically describes a rapid, irregular vibration-like feeling.
Not everyone with palpitations feels fluttering, and in practice, people often use the terms interchangeably. The Cleveland Clinic points out that palpitations are symptoms, not diagnoses, so their cause needs professional evaluation.
Will heart palpitations show on an ECG?
An ECG can detect heart palpitations only if they occur during the test, as it records the heart’s electrical activity for a brief period, typically 10 seconds to a few minutes.
If your palpitations don't happen often, a standard ECG might miss them. That's why doctors sometimes recommend longer monitoring like a Holter monitor or event recorder. The AHA says extended monitoring boosts the odds of catching the abnormal rhythm causing your palpitations.
What is the best medicine for heart palpitations?
Beta blockers are the most commonly prescribed medications for heart palpitations, as they slow the heart rate and regulate its rhythm by blocking adrenaline effects.
Other options include calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs, or procedures like catheter ablation. Treatment depends entirely on what's causing your palpitations. Always check with a cardiologist before starting any medication. The Mayo Clinic adds that cutting back on caffeine and managing stress can also help reduce those pesky palpitations.
What can be mistaken for heart palpitations?
Heart palpitations are sometimes mistaken for atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition where the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and rapidly, causing similar sensations of fluttering or racing.
Other conditions with similar symptoms include premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), thyroid disorders, and panic attacks. The AHA suggests an ECG or heart rhythm monitoring to tell these apart.
Why do I feel fluttering?
You may feel fluttering due to heart palpitations, which are commonly triggered by stress, anxiety, dehydration, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or certain medications, including some cold and cough remedies.
These triggers can temporarily mess with your heart rhythm. The Mayo Clinic says occasional fluttering is usually nothing to worry about, but if it's frequent, lasts a long time, or comes with dizziness or chest pain, get it checked out.
Is occasional heart fluttering normal?
Yes, occasional heart fluttering is usually normal and harmless, especially if it lasts only a few seconds or minutes and happens during stress, after exercise, or with caffeine.
The AHA says most people get palpitations now and then, and they're rarely serious unless you have other worrying signs like fainting or chest pain.
What is the cause of heart palpitations at night?
Common causes include lying down after consuming caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine; dehydration; low blood sugar; anxiety; or medical conditions like anemia or thyroid disorders.
Certain medications, such as decongestants or asthma inhalers, can also trigger nighttime palpitations. The Mayo Clinic recommends looking at your evening habits and medications if these flutters are keeping you up.
Can anxiety give you palpitations?
Yes, anxiety can cause palpitations as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, which increases heart rate and adrenaline levels.
The CDC says anxiety-related palpitations are common and usually fade once the stressful situation passes. If they stick around even when you're calm, it's worth talking to your doctor to rule out other causes.
Can salt give you palpitations?
High sodium intake can contribute to palpitations, especially in people sensitive to salt or those with high blood pressure, as excess sodium can disrupt fluid balance and increase blood pressure.
Many processed and canned foods pack a surprising sodium punch. The AHA recommends keeping sodium under 2,300 mg daily (ideally 1,500 mg) to protect your heart and reduce palpitations.
Should I go to ER for heart palpitations?
Seek emergency care if palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, weakness, lightheadedness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath, as these can indicate a serious heart condition.
These symptoms might point to an arrhythmia or other heart problem that needs immediate attention. The AHA says if you experience any of these warning signs with palpitations, call 911 or head straight to the ER.
How many heart palpitations are too many?
Palpitations are concerning if they occur more than 6 times per minute, in groups of 3 or more, or if your pulse exceeds 100 beats per minute without exertion.
Other red flags include palpitations with risk factors for heart disease, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. The Mayo Clinic says to see a doctor if you notice these patterns.
Can stomach issues cause heart palpitations?
Stomach issues like GERD or gastritis are unlikely to directly cause heart palpitations, but they may trigger anxiety or chest tightness, which can indirectly lead to palpitations.
If you're getting both stomach trouble and palpitations often, try keeping a symptom diary to spot patterns. The Mayo Clinic suggests managing GERD with diet and lifestyle changes to ease stress-related palpitations.
What electrolyte imbalance causes palpitations?
Electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium or magnesium levels, can contribute to heart palpitations by disrupting normal heart rhythm.
Severe dehydration or excessive fluid loss can also lead to dangerous imbalances. The AHA recommends staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet to support heart health.
Can Sudafed give you palpitations?
Yes, Sudafed and other decongestants containing pseudoephedrine can trigger palpitations by stimulating the heart and increasing blood pressure.
These medications mimic adrenaline, which can lead to a faster or more forceful heartbeat. The Mayo Clinic advises using them cautiously if you're prone to palpitations.
Can HRT cause heart palpitations?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can sometimes cause heart palpitations, particularly when starting treatment or adjusting doses.
Fluctuations in estrogen levels may affect heart rhythm in some individuals. The AHA suggests discussing any concerning symptoms with your doctor to explore alternative options.
Can electromagnetic waves cause heart palpitations?
There is no strong scientific evidence that electromagnetic waves from everyday devices cause heart palpitations in healthy individuals.
However, some people report increased sensitivity to electromagnetic fields. The Mayo Clinic notes that stress and anxiety are more likely culprits for palpitations than electromagnetic exposure.
Can drinking tea cause heart palpitations?
Drinking tea, especially strong black or green tea, can cause heart palpitations in some people due to its caffeine content.
Herbal teas are generally safer, but those sensitive to stimulants should monitor their intake. The AHA recommends moderation if you notice a link between tea and palpitations.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
