Healthy Living

Heart Palpitations: When They're Normal—and When to See a Doctor

Aug. 27, 2026

Key Takeaways

Heart palpitations are common and often feel like racing, fluttering, pounding, or skipped heartbeats.
Palpitations can be caused by stress, caffeine, dehydration, or lack of sleep.
Some palpitations can signal an abnormal heart rhythm and should be evaluated.
You should seek emergency care if you experience palpitations and chest pain, fainting, or trouble breathing.

Most people have had the feeling of their heart skipping a beat, and usually these palpitations are harmless. But some need medical attention, says University of Rochester Medicine cardiologist David Huang, MD.

Dr. Huang breaks down common causes and warning signs and explains when you should see a doctor for your heart symptoms.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

A heart palpitation is the sensation of feeling your own heartbeat. It can feel like your heart is fluttering, racing, or has skipped beats. It is important to know that palpitations are a feeling, not a diagnosis. During heart palpitations, you may feel like your heart is pounding or flip-flopping, or stopping and then restarting.

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

The causes of heart palpitations differ, and most are temporary. They can be triggered by physical factors, things you consume, or other things, including:

Stress
Anxiety
Dehydration
Lack of sleep
Exercise
Caffeine
Alcohol

Are Heart Palpitations a Sign of a Heart Problem?

You should see a doctor if you are experiencing heart palpitations that:

Occur frequently
Last several minutes at a time
Worsen over time
Happen during exercise

Heart palpitations can sometimes be associated with abnormal heart rhythms or other conditions, such as:

Atrial fibrillation
Supraventricular tachycardia
Thyroid disorders
Anemia
Heart disease

Seeing a doctor for an evaluation can help determine the cause of your heart palpitations.

How Do Doctors Find the Cause?

When Are Heart Palpitations an Emergency?

Call 911 if palpitations occur along with any of these:

Chest pain
Fainting
Severe shortness of breath
Loss of consciousness

Your doctor will likely ask when your palpitations happen, how long they last, and whether you experience other symptoms at the same time. Depending on your symptoms, they might use multiple tests and exams, including blood work, electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram.

Additionally, they might use monitors such as a Holter or Event monitor to see how your heart rhythm works in day-to-day life and to capture an ECG recording that correlates with your symptoms.

Can You Prevent Heart Palpitations?

There are ways you can try to minimize heart palpitation symptoms. Lifestyle changes can go a long way to helping you reduce heart palpitations. Dr. Huang recommends: