June 5, 2026
Heart palpitations are sensations where your heartbeat feels unusually fast, strong, irregular, fluttering, or as if it has skipped a beat. Many people feel palpitations at some point in life, and in several cases, they may be linked to stress, anxiety, caffeine, lack of sleep, or lifestyle triggers. However, palpitations should not always be ignored, especially if they happen repeatedly or come with chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, or fainting.
At SSB Heart & Multispeciality Hospital, Faridabad, the Cardiology Department provides care for a wide range of heart conditions, including irregular heartbeat, chest pain, coronary artery disease, and other cardiac concerns. The department also offers diagnostic tests such as ECG, TMT, Holter monitoring, ECHO with Color Doppler, angiography, and advanced cardiac procedures.
Heart palpitations can feel different for different people. Some describe them as:
These sensations may last for a few seconds or continue for longer. Some people feel them in the chest, while others may feel them in the throat or neck.
Heart palpitations may occur due to non-serious triggers or underlying heart-related conditions. Common causes include anxiety, stress, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, pregnancy, and certain medications. Cleveland Clinic notes that palpitations are common and often not dangerous, though they may need evaluation when symptoms are persistent or associated with other warning signs.
Stress is one of the most common reasons for palpitations. During anxiety or panic, the body releases stress hormones that can make the heart beat faster.
Tea, coffee, energy drinks, smoking, and alcohol may trigger palpitations in some people. Reducing these triggers can help if palpitations are lifestyle-related.
Poor sleep can affect the body’s stress response and heart rhythm. People with irregular sleep patterns may notice palpitations more often.
An overactive thyroid, pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal fluctuations can sometimes lead to a faster heartbeat.
Sometimes, palpitations may be due to arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation or other rhythm disturbances. The American Heart Association notes that palpitations can be a sign of arrhythmia, including AFib, and untreated AFib can increase stroke risk.
Palpitations may happen alone or with symptoms such as:
If palpitations are mild and happen occasionally, they may not be dangerous. But if they are frequent, prolonged, or associated with other symptoms, a cardiology evaluation is important.
You should seek urgent medical care if palpitations occur with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms that feel like a heart attack. Mayo Clinic advises emergency medical care for arrhythmia symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting.
You should consult a cardiologist if:
A cardiologist may recommend tests based on symptoms, age, risk factors, and medical history. Common tests may include:
An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect rhythm abnormalities.
A Holter monitor records heart rhythm for 24 hours or more, helping detect irregular rhythms that may not appear during a short ECG.
ECHO helps evaluate heart structure, pumping function, and valve-related concerns.
A treadmill test may be used to understand how the heart performs during physical activity.
Blood tests may check thyroid function, electrolyte levels, anemia, or other conditions that can trigger palpitations.
SSB’s Cardiology Department lists ECG, TMT, Holter Monitoring, and ECHO with Color Doppler among its cardiology services.
Treatment depends on the cause. If palpitations are lifestyle-related, the doctor may recommend reducing caffeine, managing stress, improving sleep, avoiding tobacco, and staying hydrated.
If palpitations are caused by arrhythmia or another heart condition, treatment may include medicines, rhythm management, or advanced cardiac care depending on the diagnosis.
You can lower the chances of lifestyle-triggered palpitations by:
If you are experiencing repeated palpitations, irregular heartbeat, chest discomfort, or breathlessness, it is better to get evaluated by a cardiologist. Early diagnosis helps identify whether the cause is simple, lifestyle-related, or connected to an underlying heart condition.
No. Many palpitations are harmless and may be linked to stress, caffeine, or lack of sleep. However, frequent palpitations or those with chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, or fainting need medical attention.
Yes, anxiety and stress can cause the heart to beat faster or feel irregular. But it is still important to rule out heart-related causes if symptoms are frequent.
You should consult a cardiologist, especially if palpitations are recurring or associated with chest discomfort, breathlessness, dizziness, or fainting.
Common tests include ECG, Holter monitoring, ECHO, TMT, and blood tests depending on the patient’s symptoms.
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