Palpitations
Palpitations are a common symptom in primary care and often describe a feeling of the heart beating faster, harder or more noticeably than usual. Many adults experience this sensation from time to time. This page explains possible patterns, how GPs assess palpitations and when a review may be helpful.
These articles are intended as educational sources, not diagnostic nor taking place of a proper medical assessment. If you need help, please book an appointment with one of our GP’s.
What Palpitations Are
Palpitations refer to an increased awareness of your heartbeat. They can feel like:
- fluttering
- thudding or pounding
- slight racing
- occasional missed or extra beats
Palpitations can happen in people with healthy hearts, but they can also be associated with underlying rhythm changes, thyroid imbalance, anaemia or other medical issues. Because the causes vary widely, it is usually sensible to discuss new, persistent or unexplained palpitations with a GP.
Common Features or Symptoms Noticed With Palpitations
People often report:
- palpitations at rest or during stress
- episodes triggered by caffeine, alcohol or poor sleep
- skipped beats
- brief flutters during exercise or recovery
- feelings of anxiety during episodes
- tiredness or breathlessness afterwards
- chest awareness or discomfort
These features help guide whether the symptoms relate to lifestyle triggers or whether further assessment is needed. These symptoms should not be ignored and medical advice should always be sought.
Possible Causes Considered in GP Assessment
GPs commonly explore a combination of:
1. Lifestyle and situational triggers
- caffeine, alcohol or energy drinks
- emotional stress or anxiety
- poor sleep
- recent illness
- dehydration
2. Medical contributors
- thyroid overactivity
- anaemia or low iron levels
- hormonal changes
- medication effects (for example: inhalers, decongestants, steroids)
3. Cardiac rhythm changes
While many rhythm variations can be benign, some require monitoring or a structured assessment. GPs do not diagnose arrhythmias in this setting but help determine when onward tests, ECGs or cardiology review may be appropriate.
Patterns GPs Look For
GPs often consider:
Short-lived, occasional palpitations
May relate to stress, caffeine, tiredness or mild dehydration. Still worth discussing if new or recurrent.
Recurrent or worsening palpitations
More likely to prompt blood tests, ECG or ambulatory monitoring depending on symptoms and medical history.
Palpitations during or after exercise
Can be linked to fitness level, hydration, stimulants or sometimes an underlying rhythm sensitivity.
This section remains descriptive only and should not be interpreted as diagnosis or reassurance.
How GPs Usually Assess Palpitations
Assessment may include:
- a history of triggers and timing
- blood tests such as thyroid function, FBC and electrolytes
- blood pressure and pulse check
- an ECG if symptoms suggest rhythm variation
- discussion of medication or stimulant use
- review of sleep, stress and lifestyle factors
If symptoms are persistent or difficult to interpret, a GP may advise ambulatory ECG monitoring or onward cardiology review.
Self-Care and Monitoring Strategies
These measures do not replace medical assessment but can support symptom understanding:
- reducing caffeine, alcohol or energy drinks
- staying hydrated
- improving sleep regularity
- noting timing of episodes (morning, after meals, at rest, during stress)
- reviewing triggers such as exercise or anxiety
If symptoms do not improve, a structured review is recommended.
Further Reading and Hub Links
Visit our Heart Health hub or browse more health topics in the AccessGP Knowledge Base.
If you are experiencing symptoms and would like a tailored assessment, you can book an online GP appointment with us.
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Updated: 10 December 2025