Heart palpitations are usually not dangerous, but they can signal an underlying issue in some cases. Here’s a clear, practical guide to when they are and aren’t concerning, and what to do. What are heart palpitations?

• They are sensations of a racing, fluttering, pounding, or skipping of the heartbeat. They can be felt in the chest, throat, or neck, and may occur occasionally or more often. Most often they’re harmless, especially in healthy individuals or when linked to benign triggers like caffeine, stress, or exercise. [source-type:medical-knowledge]

When they can be dangerous or require prompt care

• Palpitations accompanied by chest pain, sweating, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or severe anxiety can indicate a more serious problem and require urgent evaluation.

• Palpitations that persist for a long time, occur very frequently, or are new in someone with known heart disease, high-risk factors, or symptoms like fainting should be assessed by a clinician.

• If palpitations are due to a known heart rhythm problem (like atrial fibrillation) and are associated with signs of poor blood flow or heart strain, medical advice is important.

Common, usually benign triggers

• Emotional stress, anxiety, panic attacks, caffeine or nicotine, alcohol, certain medications, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and heavy caffeine or stimulant use can provoke palpitations. In many people, removing the trigger reduces or stops the symptoms.

What you can do now

• Monitor symptoms: note when palpitations start, how long they last, what you were doing, and any accompanying symptoms (dizziness, chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath). This helps a clinician assess risk.

• Reduce triggers: limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine; ensure adequate hydration and sleep; manage stress through breathing techniques or mindfulness.

• Seek medical evaluation if any high-risk signs appear or if palpitations are new, persistent, or worsening, or if you have known heart disease or risk factors. A clinician may review your medical history, perform an examination, and may order an ECG or other tests to assess rhythm and heart function.

When to seek immediate care

• Go to the nearest emergency department or call emergency services if you have chest pain or pressure, fainting, severe shortness of breath, confusion, or signs of a heart attack. Time is critical in such cases.

Bottom line

• For most people, heart palpitations are not dangerous. However, certain patterns or accompanying symptoms can indicate a serious condition. If unsure, or if any high-risk features are present, seek medical evaluation to rule out potentially serious causes.