Causes of Heart Palpitations and When to See a Doctor?

Overview

Ever felt your heart suddenly race, flutter, or skip a beat for no reason? It can feel alarming and often makes you wonder if something's wrong. The good news is that heart palpitations are fairly common and often harmless. However, in some cases, they may signal an underlying condition that deserves medical attention. Let’s explore what causes them, when they’re normal, and when to seek online doctor advice.

What are heart palpitations?

Palpitations are sensations of rapid pounding or thumping heartbeats, usually felt in the chest, throat, or neck. Occasional palpitations are often harmless and may be caused by physical exertion, stress, or excessive caffeine consumption; however, persistent palpitations should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Common causes

1. Lifestyle or emotional triggers

• Stress or anxiety can overstimulate your nervous system, making your heart race or flutter.
• Lack of sleep can lower your body’s ability to cope, making palpitations more likely.
• Caffeine (from coffee, tea, or energy drinks), nicotine, and alcohol can all speed up your heart rate or heighten your awareness of each beat.
• Dehydration or heat (especially relevant during Aussie summers) can provoke palpitations.

2. Physical or medical causes

• Fever or infections can cause your body to work overtime, causing the heart to pump faster.
• Thyroid disorders (particularly an overactive thyroid) may also increase heart rate.
• Low blood sugar levels or dehydration can trigger palpitations.
• Anemia or low iron forces the heart to pump harder to deliver oxygen.
• Hormonal fluctuations (such as during pregnancy or menopause) can also influence heart rate.

3. Medication or substance causes

• Certain asthma inhalers, decongestants, or cold medications may function as stimulants, which can lead to an elevated heart rate or cause slight irregularities in heart rhythm.
• Weight-loss supplements or some recreational drugs (for example, cocaine, amphetamines) can also cause noticeable palpitations.

Warning Signs to Know

Most palpitations are harmless, but some may be linked to heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) or other heart conditions. Some concerning possibilities include:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – a common rhythm irregularity.
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) – a rapid heartbeat that begins in the upper chambers of the heart.
• Ventricular arrhythmias – severe rhythm problems in the lower chambers.
• Structural heart or chamber abnormalities.

These conditions need medical assessment and sometimes long-term care.

Diagnosing the cause

Your GP or telehealth doctor may:

• Ask about possible triggers, how long the palpitations last, what they feel like, and whether heart problems run in your family.

They may recommend tests such as:

• An ECG (electrocardiogram) to check your heart’s electrical activity.
• A Holter monitor or event recorder (portable ECG over 24–48 hours or more) to track intermittent irregularities.
• Blood tests (thyroid function, iron levels, electrolytes) to check for underlying causes like thyroid disorder or anemia.

Identifying the cause is key to ensuring the right and safest treatment plan.

Managing and preventing at home

Here are some practical tips that might help relieve or control heart palpitations:

• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine; all of these can increase the likelihood of palpitations.
• Stay well-hydrated, especially in hot Australian weather, to prevent dehydration-related heart flutters.
• Manage stress through mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation.
• Get enough sleep, as fatigue and poor rest can contribute to irregular heartbeats.
• Avoid over-the-counter stimulants without consulting an online doctor.
• Keep a symptom journal and note when palpitations occur, what you were doing at the time, and how you felt, so your doctor can identify any patterns.

When to see a doctor

You should seek medical attention (in Australia, call 000) or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Fainting, dizziness, or shortness of breath
• Palpitations lasting longer than a few minutes
• History of heart disease or high blood pressure
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat that doesn’t settle
• Palpitations that occur with exercise or stress

How Hola Health can help

A telehealth service like Hola Health can help you by:

• Offering convenient consultations with GPs or heart specialists online from home.
• Helping you monitor your symptoms and share your notes with your doctor.
• Coordinating ECGs, blood tests, and specialist referrals.
• Guiding you on daily habits and triggers.

Conclusion

Occasional heart palpitations are generally harmless and often linked to lifestyle or emotional stress. However, if palpitations become frequent, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help. Trust your instincts; it’s better to get it checked than to worry in silence. If you’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, book a Hola Health telehealth consultation today — quick, private, and from the comfort of home.

FAQs

Are heart palpitations normal during stress or anxiety?

Yes, stress and anxiety are frequent triggers for palpitations. When you’re stressed, your body releases adrenaline, which makes your heart race or thump harder than usual.

Can dehydration cause heart palpitations?

Yes, dehydration can reduce blood volume and disrupt electrolyte balance, which can make your heart beat faster or feel irregular. Drinking enough water, especially in Australia’s warm climate, is important.

Should I worry about palpitations after drinking caffeine?

Usually not, if palpitations are occasional and not accompanied by other symptoms. However, if palpitations occur frequently after consuming caffeine, try reducing and check with your GP.

Can I get heart palpitations from exercise?

Yes, during or after intense physical activity, your heart rate naturally increases, and sometimes you may notice palpitations. If this sensation is unusual, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like chest discomfort or dizziness, it’s worth getting checked by your doctor.

What tests can detect irregular heart rhythms?

Common tests include an ECG (electrocardiogram), a Holter monitor or event recorder, and possibly an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) if structural issues are suspected.

Can an online doctor help diagnose palpitations in Australia?

Telehealth doctors are capable of evaluating symptoms, recommending tests, and referring you to a specialist if necessary. They are a great initial resource, particularly if you're uncertain about needing immediate medical attention.

Are palpitations dangerous if I have high blood pressure?

They may be more significant in individuals with high blood pressure or existing heart disease, so it’s better to seek medical review in that context. High blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart rhythm disturbances.