What Causes a Racing Heart, Common Triggers and Red Flags
A reader wrote in because their heart keeps racing, even when they are not exercising or doing anything intense. They want to know what could be causing it and when they should see a doctor.
This symptom is often called a heart palpitation. It can feel fast, pounding, fluttering, or like your heart is skipping around.
The important thing to know is that heart palpitations are common and are usually not dangerous, even though they can feel very scary in the moment.
Information from the Cleveland Clinic shows that in one study, 16% of people saw a primary care provider for palpitations. It also notes palpitations are a common reason for cardiology visits.
In my own experience, I’ve had palpitations, and they can rattle you. When your heart is doing something weird, your mind starts racing, and suddenly you are imagining the worst.
In many cases, the cause is something common and fixable.
The Mayo Clinic reports that palpitations are often harmless, but can sometimes be linked to an irregular heartbeat that needs treatment.
Common Triggers
Common triggers can include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Strenuous exercise
- Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine
- Some cold and cough medicines
- Fever
- Thyroid hormone problems, including some thyroid medicines
- Dehydration
- Anemia
- Low blood sugar
- Low potassium
- Alcohol
- Nicotine
- Some asthma inhalers
- In some cases, spicy or rich foods.
For example, a person may drink extra coffee while taking cold medicine, and then notice a pounding heartbeat while sitting on the couch.
In the Mayo Clinic’s coverage, it states that palpitations can be felt in the chest, throat, or neck. This detail matters, because your doctor may ask when it happens, how long it lasts, what you were doing, and what made it better.
Due to these potential questions by a doctor, we recommend writing any symptom down, when it happens, and anything you consumed or activities done in the 24 hours around the event.
Warning signs to watch for
Palpitations that are infrequent and brief may not need evaluation, but some symptoms should never be ignored. Watch for these symptoms along with a racing heart:
- Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
- Fainting or feeling like you may pass out
- Severe shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Severe dizziness, confusion, or feeling lightheaded
- Sweating that feels unusual for you
- Palpitations that are getting worse or happening more often
The reality is, whenever you get a new health symptom, you should see a doctor. It’s vital to get checked out to make sure those health changes aren’t pointing to something going wrong in your body.
This is especially true when it comes to concerns about your heart health. Don’t put it off. Get checked.
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