Heart Palpitations Explained: What Causes them and When to Seek Medical Advice

Heart palpitations are a common symptom that many people experience, often described as a feeling of their heart racing, fluttering, or skipping a beat. Whilst palpitations can sometimes be harmless and linked to factors such as stress, caffeine, or exercise, they can also be associated with underlying heart conditions. Understanding the causes of heart palpitations and when they should be investigated by a cardiologist is an important part of maintaining your heart health. 

We discuss what heart palpitations are, why they might be happening, the risks of ignoring them, and share why getting them checked by a cardiologist is important.

Explaining Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are sensations that make you become more aware of your heartbeat than usual. They can feel different for each person, depending on the cause and how the heartbeat changes. They are often described as a racing, fluttering, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, and for some people, it can feel like their heart is skipping a beat or beating more forcefully. 

Palpitations can occur at different times, including when walking, doing physical activity, resting, or even when lying down. They can last for varying durations, from a few seconds to several minutes or longer. As heart palpitations can be caused by different factors, it is important to understand whether they are related to temporary triggers or an underlying heart condition that may require further investigation.

In many cases, heart palpitations are harmless and may be triggered by factors such as exercise, stress, anxiety, or caffeine. However, it's still important to have them assessed by a cardiologist, as they can sometimes be associated with underlying heart conditions that require further investigation. 

Some people may experience palpitations due to temporary changes in their heart rate, while others may have symptoms linked to changes in the heart’s rhythm or structure. The type, frequency, and severity of palpitations can vary depending on the underlying cause, which is why understanding the different conditions they may be linked to is important.

Arrhythmias (Abnormal Heart Rhythms)

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that causes the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. It occurs when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are disrupted, affecting the heart's normal rhythm. While some arrhythmias are harmless and only occur occasionally, others can interfere with how efficiently the heart pumps blood and may require treatment.

Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart's valves do not open or close properly, affecting the normal flow of blood through the heart. This can make the heart work harder to circulate blood around the body, which may lead to heart palpitations. Other symptoms can include breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue, and chest discomfort, depending on the severity of the condition.

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease develops when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked by a build-up of fatty deposits, reducing the blood supply to the heart muscle. This can affect how the heart functions and, in some cases, may contribute to heart palpitations. Palpitations may occur when the reduced blood flow impacts the heart’s normal rhythm, making it important to understand the underlying cause.

When Should Heart Palpitations Be Checked?

It is important to consider when heart palpitations occur, how long they last, how often they happen, and whether they are becoming more severe over time. Palpitations that are frequent, persistent, worsening, or occurring without an obvious reason should be assessed by a cardiologist.

We recommend seeking further assessment if symptoms begin to affect daily activities or are accompanied by other concerns. Keeping track of when these palpitations happen, their duration, and how they feel can provide valuable information when identifying the underlying cause.

Why Heart Palpitations Should Be Assessed by a Professional 

Heart palpitations can have many different causes, and understanding why they are happening is an important part of protecting your heart health. Our cardiology team provides comprehensive assessments to investigate symptoms, identify potential underlying causes, and provide personalised recommendations based on your individual needs.

Identify the Underlying Cause

Heart palpitations can occur for many reasons, from changes in heart rhythm to underlying cardiovascular conditions. A professional assessment can help investigate what may be causing your symptoms and provide a clearer understanding of your heart health. Identifying the cause allows a cardiologist to recommend the most appropriate next steps based on your individual circumstances.

Detect Potential Heart Conditions

Although heart palpitations are not always linked to a serious issue, they can sometimes be associated with underlying heart conditions that require further investigation. A cardiology assessment can help identify potential concerns, such as abnormal heart rhythms or other cardiovascular issues, so they can be monitored and managed appropriately.

Understand When Further Investigation is Needed

A professional assessment can help determine whether your heart palpitations require further monitoring, additional tests, or ongoing management. By reviewing your symptoms, how often they occur, and how they affect you, a cardiologist can advise on the most appropriate next steps. This helps ensure any potential concerns are identified and managed at the right time.

Heart Palpitation Risk Assessments at Precision Health

If you're experiencing heart palpitations, it's important to understand what's causing them. From our cardiology clinic, we provide heart palpitations assessments to investigate and determine whether they may be linked to an underlying heart condition. Assessments include a full physical examination, blood and urine tests, an ECG, and, where clinically appropriate, further investigations such as Holter monitoring or an echocardiogram. 

Whether the symptoms are occasional or becoming more frequent, our cardiology team will provide a thorough assessment and, if needed, recommend the most appropriate next steps or treatment plan. Book an appointment online today to arrange an assessment and take a proactive step towards protecting your heart health.