Heart palpitations are the sensation of feeling your heartbeat more noticeably than usual. Some people describe them as a fluttering feeling, a thump in the chest, a rapid rhythm, or a sense that the heart is skipping beats. Although they can feel worrying, palpitations are often harmless. In other cases, they can be a sign of an underlying heart rhythm issue that needs attention.

Regularly we meet patients who come to us unsure whether their palpitations are serious. Understanding what palpitations are, why they happen, and when to seek medical advice can help you feel more confident and reassured about your symptoms.

What Do Palpitations Feel Like?

Palpitations can feel different for everyone. Some people notice a brief flutter, while others experience a more forceful or irregular heartbeat. You may feel:

• A fast heartbeat
• A pounding sensation
• A missed or extra beat
• Flutters or ripples in the chest
• A racing feeling during rest or activity

These sensations can last a few seconds, minutes, or occur repeatedly throughout the day. They may appear suddenly or gradually, and sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint what triggered them.

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

Palpitations can be caused by a wide range of factors many of which are not related to serious heart disease. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, smoking, dehydration, anxiety, stress, and lack of sleep. Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can also play a role.

Certain medications, supplements, and recreational drugs may contribute too. Increasingly, we see palpitations triggered by high-intensity exercise, energy drinks, or prolonged screen time, especially late in the evening. However, palpitations can also be linked to medical conditions, including anaemia, thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalance, high blood pressure, and fever. Because the causes are so varied, it’s sensible to have recurrent symptoms reviewed by a specialist.

When Palpitations Are Related to the Heart

Although many palpitations are benign, some are caused by arrhythmias, which are irregular heart rhythms. These include:

1. Atrial fibrillation (AF): A common rhythm problem that causes the heart to beat irregularly and often quickly.
2. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): A sudden burst of rapid heartbeats that start and stop abruptly.
   
3. Ectopic beats: Extra beats that can feel like a pause followed by a stronger thump.
   
4. Ventricular arrhythmias: Less common but more serious rhythm disturbances.

These rhythm issues can be temporary or long-standing. Some are harmless, while others require treatment to prevent complications. A cardiologist can diagnose the underlying rhythm through tests such as ECGs or heart monitoring.

When Should You Worry About Palpitations?

Most palpitations are not dangerous, especially when they happen occasionally and last only a few seconds. However, you should seek medical advice if you notice:

• Palpitations that occur frequently or become more intense
• Irregular heartbeats accompanied by dizziness
• Palpitations with chest discomfort or breathlessness
• Fainting or feeling close to fainting
• A fast heartbeat that lasts for several minutes without settling
• Palpitations triggered by exercise

These symptoms may suggest a rhythm condition that needs assessment. Anyone with an existing heart condition, high blood pressure, a history of stroke, or a family history of rhythm disorders should also take these seriously.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms require attention, you can contact us here to arrange a consultation. You can also call on 01892 526726 to speak to one of our team.

How Palpitations Are Investigated

A cardiologist typically begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. Depending on what you describe, several tests may be recommended.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)
A quick, painless test that records the heart’s electrical activity. It can show rhythm irregularities, signs of strain, or conduction problems.

24-hour or 7-day ECG Monitoring
Portable monitors record your heartbeat during normal daily activities, making it easier to link symptoms with rhythm changes.

Echocardiogram
An ultrasound scan that shows the structure and pumping function of the heart. This helps rule out structural causes of palpitations.

Blood Tests
Used to check thyroid function, electrolytes, and markers of anaemia, all of which can affect rhythm.

Can Stress Cause Palpitations?

Yes. Stress and anxiety are among the most common non-cardiac causes of palpitations. When the body releases adrenaline, the heart rate rises and the heartbeat becomes more noticeable. While these palpitations are usually harmless, they can feel very unsettling. So, breathing techniques, regular exercise, reducing caffeine, and improving sleep can all help reduce stress-related triggers.

Managing and Treating

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and for many people, no treatment is needed at all. Simple lifestyle adjustments such as reducing caffeine, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol, and improving sleep can make a big difference.

If palpitations are caused by an arrhythmia, your cardiologist may discuss options such as medication, long-term rhythm monitoring, or procedures like ablation, depending on the type and severity.If you are Kent based, and visit us, we create personalised care plans tailored to each patient’s symptoms, health status, and long-term goals.

Conclusion

Heart palpitations can be unsettling, but they are often harmless and manageable. The key is to recognise when they are simply a normal response to stress or lifestyle triggers and when they may be a sign of something more significant. If your palpitations are frequent, affecting your daily life, or accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, breathlessness, or chest discomfort, it’s important to have them assessed. At West Kent Cardiology Partnership, our team provides expert assessment, monitoring, and personalised guidance for patients experiencing palpitations across Kent and East Sussex. If you’d like reassurance or want to understand your symptoms more clearly, you can contact us here to arrange a consultation.