Medical condition

Heart palpitations — multiple possible causes

A sensation of a racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat. It is often linked to stress, anxiety, or caffeine and is not dangerous, but it can sometimes be related to a heart rhythm disorder, especially alongside chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath.

Medical taxonomy

Diseases of the circulatory system

Taxonomy is used to organize content and does not represent a diagnosis.

Common causes

Usually the body's response to stress or stimulants; sometimes an actual heart rhythm disorder that needs evaluation.

Risk factors

Stress and anxiety, caffeine, lack of sleep, or a pre-existing heart rhythm condition.

Red flags — seek urgent care

Palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, or a racing heart that does not settle for many minutes.

Suggested next step

Reduce caffeine and stress and monitor the pattern; seek a cardiac review if palpitations recur or come with other symptoms — it should not be assumed benign without evaluation if it recurs.