Home / Blog / Symptoms

Palpitations: When a Racing Heart Needs a Check-up

By Dr. Pavan Agrawal, Interventional Cardiologist, Amravati · October 2026 · 2 min read

Palpitations are the feeling that your heart is racing, skipping or pounding. They are often harmless but sometimes show a rhythm problem.

Common triggers

• Caffeine, tea, energy drinks and tobacco
• Stress, anxiety and poor sleep
• Fever, anaemia or thyroid problems

See a doctor if

• Episodes are frequent, long or getting worse
• They come with dizziness, fainting or chest pain
• You have heart disease or a family history of sudden death

Tests

• ECG during symptoms or a 24-hour Holter monitor
• Echo and blood tests to look for causes

Related articles

• When Chest Pain Needs an Emergency Visit
• Heart Attack Symptoms in Women: Why They Are Often Missed
• Silent Heart Attack: What It Is and Who Is at Risk

This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns, please see a doctor.