Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
How palpitations feel, other symptoms, and warning signs that need emergency care.
Palpitations are a sensation, not a disease. People describe them in different ways.
How palpitations feel
How long they last
Seconds to minutes in most people. Some episodes last hours.
Symptoms that may come with them
Warning symptoms
Palpitations with any of the following need urgent medical care:
Ayurvedic view
Traditional texts describe Hriddrava or Hritspandana, a trembling of the heart, often with fear, weakness and dryness. This is an interpretive description, not a diagnosis.
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have palpitations with chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness.
See a doctor if palpitations come often, last more than a few minutes, or worry you.
When to get help
See a doctor if palpitations are new, frequent, last more than a few minutes, or come with dizziness, chest discomfort or breathlessness. An ECG, simple blood tests and a heart rhythm monitor can usually find the cause. Call 112 for chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness.
Remember
Write down when they happen, how long they last and what you were doing. This helps your doctor.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Causes of palpitations, from stress, caffeine and anaemia to thyroid and heart rhythm problems.
Home steps for palpitations: slow breathing, fluids, avoiding triggers, and emergency signs.
Diet for palpitations: less caffeine, regular meals, potassium and magnesium foods.
Ayurvedic view of palpitations as Hritspandana, traditional approaches and herb cautions.
Medicines for palpitations: treating the cause, beta-blockers, rhythm drugs and ablation.
How palpitations are investigated and treated, from trigger control to medicines and ablation.
