Heart palpitations
Palpitations are the awareness of your own heartbeat — as fast, slow, skipped or forceful beats. Most are benign and triggered by caffeine, stress, dehydration, alcohol, thyroid overactivity or anaemia. Palpitations with chest pain, fainting, breathlessness at rest, or that occur during exercise, need urgent assessment.
Key information
- Symptom
- Palpitations
- Category
- Heart & circulation
- Common possible causes
- Caffeine, energy drinks or stimulants, Stress, anxiety or panic, Dehydration and heat, Alcohol
- Tests that may be considered
- Full blood count, TSH and free T4, Electrolytes (kidney function), Ferritin
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
Palpitations are the sensation of your heart beating in an unusual way — pounding, racing, fluttering or skipping. They may last seconds or minutes and can happen at rest or during activity.
Common possible causes
- · Caffeine, energy drinks or stimulants
- · Stress, anxiety or panic
- · Dehydration and heat
- · Alcohol
- · Iron deficiency and anaemia
- · Overactive thyroid
- · Some medications (e.g. asthma inhalers, decongestants)
Less common possible causes
- · Ectopic beats (harmless extra beats)
- · Atrial fibrillation
- · Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- · Perimenopause and menopause
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Ventricular arrhythmias
- · Heart-block or severe bradycardia
- · Structural heart disease
- · Palpitations with chest pain
- · Palpitations with fainting or collapse
- · Palpitations during exercise causing severe breathlessness
- · Palpitations lasting more than a few minutes and not settling
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · Frequent palpitations that are new
- · Palpitations with dizziness or fatigue
- · Palpitations with breathlessness
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Occasional isolated skipped beats with no other symptoms
Questions a doctor may ask
- · How does it feel — pounding, fluttering, skipping?
- · How long do episodes last?
- · What triggers them — caffeine, exercise, stress, alcohol?
- · Any chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness or fainting?
- · Any weight loss, tremor or heat intolerance?
History factors that may matter
- · Family history of arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death
- · Personal history of thyroid disease
- · High caffeine, alcohol or energy-drink intake
- · Recent illness or dehydration
What may happen during the examination
- · Pulse rate and rhythm
- · Blood pressure
- · Heart and chest examination
- · Thyroid examination
- · ECG
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · Full blood count
- · TSH and free T4
- · Electrolytes (kidney function)
- · Ferritin
- · HbA1c
Other tests
- · ECG (baseline)
- · 24-hour or 7-day ambulatory ECG for intermittent symptoms
- · Echocardiogram if referred to cardiology
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Cardiology for confirmed arrhythmia, exertional palpitations, or family history of sudden cardiac death
Possible treatment approaches
- · Address underlying cause (thyroid, anaemia, dehydration, stimulants)
- · Beta-blockers where appropriate under specialist care
- · Ablation for specific persistent arrhythmias (specialist decision)
Safe self-care
- · Reduce caffeine, energy drinks and alcohol
- · Improve sleep and stress management
- · Stay well hydrated in Dubai’s heat
- · Try slow breathing techniques during an episode
Best avoided
- · Ignoring palpitations with chest pain or fainting
- · Excess stimulants
How Aafiyah can help
- · Same-day ECG in clinic or at home
- · Focused blood panel with GP interpretation
- · Ambulatory ECG coordination where required
Related tests
Related conditions
Related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Are palpitations always serious?+
No — many palpitations are benign and self-limiting, especially when caused by caffeine, alcohol, stress or dehydration. However, palpitations with chest pain, fainting, breathlessness at rest or during exercise should always be assessed promptly.
What tests do I need for palpitations?+
A baseline ECG, plus a blood panel including thyroid function, full blood count, ferritin and electrolytes, is a reasonable starting point. Intermittent palpitations often need a 24-hour or 7-day heart monitor.
Medical references
- · NICE CKS — Palpitations — cks.nice.org.uk
- · ESC Guidelines — Atrial fibrillation — escardio.org
- · NHS — Heart palpitations — nhs.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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