This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

What causes heart palpitations?

Palpitations occur when the heart’s rhythm or force of contraction changes. Common triggers include excessive caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, certain medications, dehydration, fever, or electrolyte imbalances. Medical causes can include arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation or premature ventricular contractions), thyroid disorders, low or high blood pressure, and structural heart disease. In many cases a brief episode has a benign cause, but recurrent or prolonged palpitations merit evaluation. A clinician will consider personal history, a physical exam, and appropriate tests to identify the cause.

What do palpitations feel like in the chest?

People describe palpitations in the chest differently: some feel a rapid heartbeat, others a flip-flop or a skipped beat, and some sense pounding against the chest wall. The sensation can last seconds to minutes or longer. If chest discomfort is sharp, squeezing, or accompanied by shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fainting, or sweating, it raises concern for cardiac or other serious causes. Note how long episodes last, what you were doing before they started, and any associated symptoms—this information helps clinicians interpret symptoms more accurately.

Are palpitations a sign of anxiety?

Anxiety and panic commonly produce palpitations. During anxiety, the body’s stress response releases adrenaline and other hormones that increase heart rate and awareness of heartbeat. Panic attacks often cause intense palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, and fear. While palpitations from anxiety are typically harmless, their presence can worsen anxiety and create a cycle of ongoing symptoms. A careful assessment is important to distinguish anxiety-related palpitations from cardiac causes, and clinicians may recommend breathing techniques, therapy, or medication when appropriate.

Can stress cause heart palpitations?

Acute or chronic stress can trigger palpitations by activating the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and contractility. People under prolonged stress may notice more frequent palpitations, sleep disturbances, and variations in blood pressure. Addressing stress through lifestyle measures—regular physical activity, improved sleep, reduced stimulants, structured relaxation practices, and social support—can reduce the frequency of palpitations. When stress is severe or persistent, working with a mental health professional or your primary care provider may provide tailored strategies for symptom management.

When to seek local services in your area for palpitations

Seek prompt medical evaluation if palpitations occur with fainting or near-fainting, persistent dizziness, chest pain or pressure, unexplained shortness of breath, or if they begin suddenly and are severe. For recurrent palpitations, a clinician may order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), 24–48 hour Holter monitor, event recorder, blood tests for thyroid and electrolytes, or imaging like an echocardiogram. If available, local services such as urgent care clinics, cardiology clinics, or primary care practices in your area can often perform initial assessments and arrange specialist referrals. Emergency departments are appropriate for severe or life-threatening symptoms.

Conclusion

Heart palpitations are a symptom with many potential causes, ranging from benign triggers like caffeine and stress to medical conditions that warrant closer evaluation. Understanding how palpitations feel, recognizing when anxiety or stress may be a factor, and knowing which associated symptoms require urgent care can guide appropriate responses. If palpitations are frequent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning signs, a clinical assessment will help identify the cause and an appropriate plan for monitoring or treatment.