Palpitations — the sensation of an irregular, fast, or skipping heartbeat — are extremely common and often benign. However, some rhythm disturbances require diagnosis and treatment. Our packages provide rapid access to heart rhythm monitoring and specialist review.
Palpitations are the sensation of being aware of your heartbeat. People often describe them as a racing, fluttering, pounding, skipping, or irregular heartbeat. They may last for a few seconds or continue for several minutes or longer.
While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes be caused by abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that require medical assessment. They may occur at rest, during exercise, after caffeine or alcohol, during stress, or without any obvious trigger.
The most common clinically significant heart rhythm disorder. In AF, the upper chambers of the heart beat rapidly and irregularly. AF affects around 1.4 million people in the UK and is a major cause of stroke because it can allow blood clots to form in the heart. AF is often paroxysmal (comes and goes) — making longer monitoring methods essential for diagnosis.
Episodes where the heart suddenly begins beating very rapidly due to abnormal electrical circuits. Episodes may start and stop suddenly, causing rapid pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
Extra heartbeats originating from the ventricles, often described as a skipped beat followed by a strong thump. Very common and usually benign, but frequent ectopic beats may require assessment.
A more serious abnormal rhythm originating from the ventricles. VT can cause sustained rapid heartbeats and may lead to dizziness, fainting, or collapse. It requires urgent medical evaluation.
Palpitations lasting longer than 30 seconds
Palpitations with dizziness or near-fainting
Palpitations with chest pain or breathlessness
New irregular heartbeat noticed by yourself
Family history of sudden cardiac death under 50
Palpitations in someone with known heart disease
Call 999 immediately if you suspect a heart attack.
Everything you need to know about Palpitations FAQs and how private cardiac assessment works.
Many palpitations are harmless and caused by stress, caffeine, or anxiety. However, some may be due to abnormal heart rhythms that require medical assessment.
Doctors often use heart rhythm monitoring tests such as 24-hour Holter monitoring or longer ECG patch monitoring to detect irregular heart rhythms during episodes.
Seek medical advice if palpitations last longer than 30 seconds, occur frequently, or are accompanied by dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or breathlessness.
