a stress test that involves studying your heart while your heart rate is elevated, either by walking briskly on a treadmill or by taking medication that speeds up the activity of your heart.a urine test that measures electrolyte, blood cell, hormone, and blood sugar levels.blood tests that check hormone and blood cell levels, as well as potassium and other electrolytes that can affect the rhythm of your heart.A cardiologist may order certain tests to help diagnose or rule out certain diseases or heart problems. If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist. To start, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical exam and will likely ask you questions about your: The cause of heart palpitations can be very difficult to diagnose, especially if the palpitations don’t occur while you’re in the doctor’s office. low levels of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the bloodĭiagnosing the cause of heart palpitations.

hormone changes due to pregnancy or menopause.arrhythmia, or an irregular heart rhythm.stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaineĪlthough heart palpitations can be harmless, they can also be an indication of an underlying heart condition, such as:.prescription medications such as asthma inhalers and decongestants.over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including cold and cough medications, herbal supplements, and nutritional supplements.nicotine from tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars.Possible causes of heart palpitations include: Lifestyle triggers They’re also the second most common reason that people visit a cardiologist - a doctor who specializes in the heart. One study estimates that 16 percent of visits to a doctor are because of heart palpitations. In some cases, they can be caused by a medical condition affecting your heart or another part of your body. They’ll be able to form some simple checks to either eliminate an underlying medical condition or arrange treatment if required.Heart palpations can have a wide range of causes that include strong emotions, medications, and lifestyle factors. Heart conditions – such as heart disease, heart failure or valve problemsĪgain, if it’s possible your symptoms may be linked to any of the above – particularly if you don’t believe the common causes and medications listed above don’t apply to you – you should see your GP.Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of abnormal heart rhythm in the UK Examples include supraventricular tachycardia or SVT - where you have a fast (150 beats per minute) but regular heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation, where you get a fast or irregular heartbeat. These are problems that involve having an abnormal heart beat. You should check in with your doctor if you think your medication may be causing heart palpitations.Ĭertain medical issues can also cause palpitations, such as: Some medications can cause heart palpitations, for example: Visit our Health and Wellbeing centre for information and tips on managing many of these lifestyle factors, including cutting down on caffeine, getting a better night’s sleep, reducing your alcohol consumption, managing stress and much more. For women, hormone changes when you’re on your period, pregnant or during the menopause.You’re more likely to become aware of non-worrying causes of palpitations when you’re at rest or in bed, as it’s easy to become aware of your heartbeat then.Ĭommon causes of everyday heart palpitations include: There are a number of causes of heart palpitations. These symptoms could indicate a more serious problem that should be checked by a doctor straight away.

If you have heart palpitations and any of the following symptoms – such as shortness of breath, light-headedness, chest pain or fainting – please seek emergency medical attention. If the fluttering is regular and up to about 100 beats a minute (just under two a second) it’s rarely a cause for concern. It’s worth checking your pulse at your wrist to see if the timing of the fluttering matches your heart rate. These symptoms don’t usually last too long. Many patients describe a fluttering feeling in the chest area, or their heart thumping or racing. Heart palpitations are the sensation of your heart beating. The fluttering feeling in your rib cage could be heart palpitations.

Thump or flutter in chest