Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat -- when should I see a doctor?

Heart palpitations are common and usually have an innocent cause. Stress, too much caffeine, lack of sleep or psychological tension can all be behind them. That said, an irregular heartbeat can sometimes be the first sign of a serious cardiac arrhythmia or structural heart disease, so ignoring it completely is not wise.

So when should you actually see a doctor? In any case if the palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, a feeling of faintness, shortness of breath or chest pain. Also if you notice that your heart is genuinely beating irregularly (not just fast, but also 'skipping' or feeling chaotic), or if the symptoms recur regularly, a visit to your GP is appropriate. One in five people wait too long before seeking medical help, including for heart complaints. That is risky, because a condition diagnosed in time is easier to treat.

A special situation is atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heartbeat that can occur in episodes. Palpitations are the most commonly reported symptom of this condition. Left untreated, atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of stroke. This makes a prompt diagnosis particularly important in these cases.

Are you an athlete and do you regularly experience palpitations during or after exercise? Always have this checked. In athletes, palpitations can be an indication of an underlying heart condition that would not surface with an ordinary healthy lifestyle. Using an electrocardiogram (ECG) and any additional tests, your doctor can assess relatively quickly whether something is wrong.

If no heart problem turns out to be present, a psychological background such as anxiety or chronic stress is a serious possibility. That cause is very treatable, but a doctor must first rule out a heart problem before you pursue that direction.