

Normally, of course, you are not aware of your heart beating at all. An abnormal heart rhythm is referred to as an arrhythmia. If you are concerned about your heart palpitations, please consult your doctor.Palpitations are an awareness of your own heartbeat, usually because the heartbeat seems irregular, or unusually rapid, or in some other way "different" to normal.

If you have heart palpitations, or irregular or rapid heartbeats, there are a number of things you can do: If you have a heart condition like an arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation, you may be sent to a specialist for treatment with medications, surgery or an implantable device. Usually, there will be no treatment as the palpitations aren’t serious. Treatment of heart palpitations depends on what is causing them. This may be done by wearing a Holter monitor, a device that you wear for 24 hours while going about your normal activities. They may send you for further testing, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure your heart’s electrical activity. Your doctor will talk to you about how the palpitations start (gradually or suddenly), how long they last, how often they happen and any other symptoms you may have and your family history. dizziness and low blood pressure when you stand up too quickly.heart conditions such as heart failure, problems with the valves in the heart, or congenital heart disease.heart rhythm problems ( arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation).taking recreational drugs (such as cocaine and amphetamines).taking certain medicines (such as ephedrine and theophylline).drinks or foods containing caffeine (such as coffee, cola, tea and chocolate).Palpitations and irregular heartbeat can also be caused by: This is due to a rise in adrenaline levels, which can cause your heart to beat faster. There are many causes of palpitations and it’s common to experience them when you feel: You may also feel faint, breathless or experience chest pain.ĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use our dizziness and lightheadedness Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. You might feel this when you are sitting still or moving slowly.

You might feel like your heart is racing, thumping or skipping beats. What are the symptoms of heart palpitations? But always see your doctor if you have palpitations or feel you have an irregular heart beat.ĭial triple zero (000) if you have heart palpitations along with these symptoms: It can sometimes feel like your heart is missing beats or you have a heart flutter.Ĭhanges to your heartbeat are usually not serious. Palpitations can range from simply being aware of your heart’s activity to the sensation of it beating faster and harder than usual. The feeling of being aware of your heart beating is described as a palpitation. Most of the time you won’t notice your heartbeat, but if you suddenly become aware of it, this may concern you or come as a surprise. Related information on Australian websites.What are the symptoms of heart palpitations?.
