Heart Palpitations

2 April 2025

Heart palpitations are a common sensation where you may feel your heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats. While often harmless, frequent or intense palpitations can sometimes indicate an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention.

At The New Foscote Hospital, our experienced cardiologists provide thorough assessments, advanced diagnostics, and tailored treatment plans to help identify the cause of palpitations and ensure your heart is functioning properly.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations can feel like:

A rapid heartbeat (racing or pounding)
Irregular heartbeats (skipped beats or extra beats)
A fluttering sensation in the chest
A flip-flopping or thumping feeling

Palpitations can occur at rest, during exercise, or even while sleeping. While they are usually harmless, persistent or severe palpitations may be a sign of an arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) or another cardiovascular condition.

Common Causes

Heart palpitations can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

Lifestyle Factors – Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or recreational drugs
Stress & Anxiety – Emotional stress and panic attacks can cause palpitations
Physical Exertion – Intense exercise or dehydration
Hormonal Changes – Pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues
Heart Conditions – Arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, or valve disease
Medications & Supplements – Decongestants, asthma inhalers, or weight-loss supplements

If your palpitations occur frequently, last a long time, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most palpitations are not dangerous, but you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Dizziness, fainting, or near-fainting episodes
Chest pain or tightness
Shortness of breath
Irregular heartbeats that persist or worsen

These symptoms could indicate a serious heart condition, and prompt evaluation is essential.

Diagnosing Palpitations

At The New Foscote Hospital, our specialists use advanced cardiac diagnostic tests to determine the cause of palpitations, including:

Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Measures heart rhythm and detects abnormalities
24-hour Holter Monitor – Continuous heart rhythm monitoring over a full day
Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound) – Assesses heart structure and function
Stress Test – Evaluates how the heart responds to exercise
Blood Tests – To check for thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalances, or anemia

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to managing palpitations and preventing potential complications.

Treatment Options for Heart Palpitations

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Our expert cardiology team may recommend:

Lifestyle Modifications – Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and stress triggers
Medications – To regulate heart rhythm if necessary
Electrolyte Management – Addressing deficiencies that may contribute to palpitations
Arrhythmia Treatments – If needed, including medications or minimally invasive procedures

Our goal is to ensure your heart remains healthy and your symptoms are well managed.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

If you are experiencing frequent or concerning palpitations, our private GP service offers fast access to expert assessments and diagnostic testing.

Same-day & next-day appointments available
No need to be registered with the hospital
30-minute private GP consultation: £100
Insurance billing available
Referrals for specialist cardiology assessments & treatments

Taking proactive steps can protect your heart health and provide peace of mind.

Our Resident Private GP’s

Our Private GP’s welcoming and highly experienced. They offer patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.