Palpitations and arrhythmia
When your heartbeat feels fast, slow or irregular

Palpitations are the feeling of your heart racing, pounding, fluttering or skipping beats. They are common and often harmless — triggered by stress, caffeine or exercise. Sometimes they are caused by an arrhythmia, a problem with the heart’s electrical rhythm, which needs testing and treatment.

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About arrhythmia

What is an arrhythmia?

Your heartbeat is controlled by electrical signals. An arrhythmia happens when these signals fire too fast, too slow or irregularly. Types include extra beats (ectopics), atrial fibrillation (AF), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular rhythms and slow heart rhythms (heart block). Some are harmless; others raise the risk of stroke or fainting.

  • Extra beats are common and often harmless
  • Atrial fibrillation raises the risk of stroke
  • Thyroid problems and anaemia can cause palpitations
  • Caffeine, alcohol and poor sleep are common triggers
  • An ECG during symptoms is the most useful test

Record

ECG during symptoms.

Find the cause

Blood tests and echo.

Treat

Medicines or procedures.

Protect

Stroke prevention in AF.

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Symptoms

Symptoms to note

Note when symptoms start, how long they last and what you were doing.

Racing heartbeat

A fast beat that starts suddenly or slowly.

Fluttering

A flutter or skipped beats.

Pounding in the neck

Throbbing felt in the neck or chest.

Dizziness

Light-headedness during an episode.

Breathlessness

Short of breath with the palpitations.

Chest discomfort

Tightness or pain in the chest.

Fainting

Blacking out or nearly fainting.

Tiredness

Low energy, especially in AF.

Call 0522-666-4444 or go to emergency if: palpitations come with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, or sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

Tests for palpitations

Testing aims to capture the rhythm during symptoms.

ECG

A quick recording of the heart’s rhythm.

Longer recording

A monitor worn for one or more days, if advised.

Echocardiography

An ultrasound of heart structure and pumping.

Blood tests

Thyroid, haemoglobin and salts such as potassium.

Further tests

A treadmill test or specialised rhythm studies when needed.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of rhythm and its cause.

First steps

Many people need only reassurance and avoidance of triggers. Others need medicines to slow the heart or keep a normal rhythm, and blood thinners in atrial fibrillation to lower stroke risk.

Cut down caffeine and alcoholTreat thyroid problems or anaemiaTake rhythm medicines as prescribed

Blood thinners

  • Advised in AF based on stroke risk
  • Need regular review

Good to know

  • Some SVT episodes stop with breathing manoeuvres your doctor can teach
  • Never stop heart medicines suddenly
Everyday life

Living with an arrhythmia

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Know your triggers

Keep a diary of symptoms, caffeine, alcohol, sleep and stress. Smoking and some cold remedies can also trigger palpitations.

Check your pulse

Learn to feel your pulse at the wrist. An irregular pulse is worth reporting, especially if you are over 65.

Stay active

Most people can exercise. Ask your cardiologist what level is safe for you.

Contact us urgently if

  • Fainting or near-fainting
  • Chest pain with palpitations
  • Severe breathlessness
  • Sudden weakness or slurred speech
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about palpitations

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Palpitations always mean heart disease.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most palpitations are harmless, but testing helps rule out a rhythm problem.

Myth

“If my ECG is normal, nothing is wrong.”

Tap to flip
Fact

A normal ECG between episodes does not rule out an arrhythmia. A longer recording may be needed.

Myth

“Young people don’t get arrhythmias.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Some rhythm problems, such as SVT, are common in young adults.

Your care team

Cardiologists

Cardiac sciences Internal medicine Echocardiography
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Old ECGs, especially during symptoms
  • Phone or watch heart-rate readings, if any
  • List of current medicines

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Are palpitations dangerous?

Most are not. They need prompt checking if they come with chest pain, fainting or breathlessness, or if you have heart disease.

What is atrial fibrillation?

AF is an irregular, often fast rhythm from the upper heart chambers. It raises stroke risk, so treatment often includes a blood thinner.

Can anxiety cause palpitations?

Yes. Anxiety and stress are common causes, but other causes should be ruled out first.

Can a smartwatch detect arrhythmia?

Some watches can flag an irregular rhythm. A medical ECG is needed to confirm it.

Glossary

Words you may hear

ECGA recording of the heart’s electrical activity.
Atrial fibrillationAn irregular rhythm from the upper chambers.
SVTA fast, regular rhythm starting above the lower chambers.
AblationA catheter procedure that treats the source of an abnormal rhythm.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Cardiac sciences Heart attack Heart failure Echocardiography Health library

Heart racing or skipping beats?

Get it checked. See a cardiologist at Charak Hospital or call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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