You should worry about heart palpitations and seek medical attention if:
- The palpitations last longer than 30 seconds or a few minutes.
- They occur frequently or worsen over time.
- You experience more than six palpitations in one minute or three or more palpitations at a time.
- They come along with other symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, dizziness, fainting, confusion, severe shortness of breath, excessive sweating, or lightheadedness.
- You have a history or risk factors for heart disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, or smoking.
- You experience a sudden change in the pattern or severity of palpitations.
- You have an existing heart condition or are at high risk of heart disease.
Heart palpitations that are infrequent, brief, and occur without other symptoms are usually harmless and could be caused by stress, excitement, exercise, medications, caffeine, or anxiety. However, palpitations that last longer or are associated with serious symptoms might indicate a heart arrhythmia or other heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, which require prompt medical evaluation and treatment as they can be life-threatening.
