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Doctor and Patient

Palpitations (Heart Racing or Skipping Beats)

Palpitations are a common symptom and can feel like your heart is racing, pounding, or skipping beats.
In many cases they are harmless, but they can sometimes indicate an underlying issue that needs assessment.

What Palpitations Can Mean

Palpitations can have a wide range of causes.

Common and often benign causes include:

  • Stress or anxiety

  • Caffeine or alcohol

  • Lack of sleep

  • Hormonal changes

Other causes that may need further assessment include:

  • Heart rhythm disturbances

  • Thyroid problems

  • Anaemia or other medical conditions

The pattern, frequency, and associated symptoms are key to understanding their significance.

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When to Take Palpitations Seriously

You should seek urgent medical attention if you have:

  • Palpitations with chest pain or tightness

  • Associated breathlessness

  • Dizziness, fainting, or near blackouts

  • A sustained or very rapid heart rate

If symptoms are new, worsening, or persistent, it is sensible to have them assessed.

Doctor in Office
Why see a general physycian?

Palpitations are not always purely a heart problem.

A general physician considers the broader picture — including heart rhythm, lifestyle factors, hormonal causes, and overall health — to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.

This is particularly helpful when symptoms are intermittent or difficult to capture.

How We Assess Palpitations

A structured assessment typically includes:

  • A detailed discussion of your symptoms and triggers

  • Review of your medical history and medications

  • Physical examination

  • Targeted tests such as heart monitoring where appropriate

This allows us to identify whether the cause is benign or requires further attention.

Doctor Consulting Patient
Related Symptoms
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Request an Appointment

Arrange a private medical consultation, request a callback, or ask a question about your health concerns.

This information is general and not a substitute for medical advice.

Possible Investigations
(if appropriate)

​Palpitations are common and often benign, but assessment is important to identify any underlying heart rhythm disturbance. Investigations are selected based on your symptoms, frequency, and clinical assessment.

BLOOD TESTS

May include:

  • Thyroid function

  • Electrolytes

  • Full blood count

  • Other general health markers where relevant

IMAGING

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Imaging is not routinely required but may be arranged if suggested by clinical findings.

CARDIAC ASSESSMENT

Often the most important part of evaluation:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)

  • Heart rhythm monitoring (e.g. ambulatory monitoring)

  • Blood pressure measurement

OTHER ASSESSMENTS

Depending on your symptoms:

  • Review of triggers (e.g. caffeine, stress, medications)

  • Assessment of associated symptoms such as dizziness or chest discomfort

  • Referral for further specialist evaluation if required

Investigations are focused on identifying significant rhythm abnormalities while avoiding unnecessary testing in straightforward cases.

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