Published: 28 September 2026 · Last updated: 28 September 2026
Heart palpitations are the feeling that your heart is racing, pounding, fluttering or skipping a beat. Many episodes are harmless and come from stress, exercise, caffeine, dehydration or lack of sleep. But get your heart palpitations checked if they are new, happen often, last longer than usual or keep getting worse. Go to an emergency department right away if they come with chest pain, trouble breathing, severe dizziness or fainting.
Almost everyone notices their heartbeat now and then. A quick flutter after climbing stairs or drinking strong tea is usually nothing to worry about. What matters is how often it happens, how long it lasts and what other symptoms come with it. This guide explains the common causes in simple words, and tells you when to see a doctor or go to the hospital.
Palpitations mean you are suddenly very aware of your heartbeat. You may feel:
Some people feel it in the chest. Others feel it in the throat or neck. A short flutter does not always mean a heart problem. Ask yourself three things: How often does it happen? How long does it last? Do other symptoms come with it?
Many things can set off palpitations. The most common triggers are everyday ones:
Health conditions can also cause palpitations. These include an overactive thyroid (our Endocrinology team looks after thyroid problems), low blood sugar, anaemia and fever. Sometimes the cause is a heart rhythm problem called an arrhythmia.
If you keep asking yourself, "Why is my heart beating fast?", and it happens while you are resting or for no clear reason, talk to a doctor.
Many people notice palpitations more at night. The room is quiet and there is nothing else to distract you, so you feel every beat. Caffeine, alcohol, stress and poor sleep can also play a part.
A few short episodes are often harmless. But get checked if they keep coming back, disturb your sleep or last a long time, or if you have any of the warning signs listed below.
Palpitations that keep happening should not be ignored. A simple diary helps your doctor a lot. Each time it happens, note:
Book a visit if your palpitations are new, happen more often, last longer than before or get in the way of daily life. It is also wise to get checked if you already have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, or if heart rhythm problems run in your family.
For mild or occasional symptoms, start with a general physician. See a cardiologist if the palpitations keep returning, are getting worse or a rhythm problem is suspected.
Get emergency care straight away if palpitations come with any of these:
Do not wait for a routine appointment. Do not drive yourself. Ask someone to take you, or call for emergency help. If chest pain is part of the picture, also read our guide to heart attack warning signs.
Westin Hospitals, Madhapur has 24x7 Emergency and Trauma Care with round-the-clock diagnostic support.
Your doctor will first ask what the palpitations feel like, how often they happen, how long they last and what seems to trigger them. Then a few tests may be used:
Westin Hospitals offers ECG, 2D Echo, TMT and Holter monitoring. Patients who want a wider check-up can also look at our Health Packages.
Treatment depends on the cause. If everyday triggers are the reason, these steps often help:
If a heart rhythm problem or another health condition is found, your doctor will treat that specific cause. Finding the cause matters more than just treating the feeling. Please do not start medicines on your own.
If your palpitations are frequent, unexplained or come with other symptoms, a heart check can show whether they are linked to your heart rhythm or to something else. Westin Hospitals, Madhapur, Hyderabad offers Cardiology services with ECG, 2D Echo, TMT and Holter monitoring.
When should you see a doctor for heart palpitations?
See a doctor if your palpitations are new, happen often, last longer than usual, keep getting worse or affect your daily life. Also get checked if you already have heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or if heart rhythm problems run in your family.
When should you worry about heart palpitations?
Be more concerned if palpitations come with chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, fainting or sudden weakness, or if they are quickly getting worse.
Should I go to the hospital or ER for heart palpitations?
Yes, if palpitations come with severe chest pain, serious trouble breathing, fainting or collapse. Do not wait for a routine appointment and do not drive yourself. Ask someone to take you or call for emergency help.
Are heart palpitations at night dangerous?
Not always. You often notice your heartbeat more at night because it is quiet, and triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, stress or poor sleep can play a part. Get it checked if the episodes keep coming back, last long, disturb your sleep or come with other symptoms.
Can anxiety or caffeine cause heart palpitations?
Yes. Stress, anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, dehydration and lack of sleep are common triggers. If palpitations keep happening with no clear trigger, get them checked.
Which doctor should I see for heart palpitations?
A general physician can check mild or occasional palpitations. A cardiologist is the right choice if the episodes keep returning, are getting worse or a heart rhythm problem is suspected.
How are heart palpitations tested?
An ECG shows your heart rhythm at that moment. If the palpitations come and go, a Holter monitor records the rhythm over a longer time. Your doctor may also suggest blood tests or a 2D Echo depending on your symptoms.
One flutter now and then is usually harmless. But repeated or unexplained palpitations deserve a proper check, rather than guessing the cause yourself. For a routine heart check, consult the Cardiology team at Westin Hospitals, Madhapur, Hyderabad.
If your palpitations come with severe chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting or collapse, get emergency care immediately.
Book an Appointment for a routine check, or Contact Us for help.