AskDocDoc
/
/
/
Why do heartbeats increase suddenly?
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #12463
49 days ago
102

Why do heartbeats increase suddenly? - #12463

Pooja

I am really confused about what's been happening to me lately. A few weeks ago, I was just sitting at my desk, working, and suddenly my heart started racing like crazy. I mean, like, why do heartbeats increase suddenly like that? It was so alarming! At first, I thought it was nothing but then it started happening more often, like when I'm just chilling out, or sometimes even while I’m trying to sleep! I've checked my blood pressure and everything seems normal. I've also been under some stress with work and life stuff so I wonder if that's impacting things? Like, could my anxiety be the cause here? I even started keeping track of when these episodes occur and it seems random, but then I think, “why do heartbeats increase suddenly when I’m not doing anything strenuous?” Sometimes I feel a bit lightheaded afterward, which freaks me out more. I’ve read a little about palpitations but I’m just not sure. Should I just let it be or is it something serious? Or maybe this is all connected to something I'm not seeing? I really wish I knew why do heartbeats increase suddenly, or if it's something I need to talk to a doctor about. Any insights would be super helpful!!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

Heartbeats increasing suddenly, or palpitations, can be due to several factors, often involving a mix of physical and psychological reasons. Since you mentioned feeling stressed, it’s quite possible that anxiety is acting as a trigger here. Stress and anxiety can stimulate the release of adrenaline, which can cause your heart to beat faster. However, there are also other factors and potential underlying causes you might want to consider. Caffeine or nicotine consumption, even in moderate amounts, could be contributing if you’re sensitive to these stimulants. Likewise, dietary imbalances like low potassium or dehydration can throw off your heart’s natural rhythm. While anxiety and lifestyle factors are common culprits, keep in mind medical conditions like thyroid problems or anemia could be involved too. Occasional palpitations might not be a cause for alarm, but given that this is happening more frequently and is paired with lightheadedness, it would be prudent to investigate further. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss these episodes in detail. They might recommend wearing a Holter monitor to catch any irregularities over 24/48 hours, or performing blood tests to check for any other anomalies. It’s essential to ensure your heart’s electrical activities are in good shape. In the meantime, manage stress by incorporating relaxation techniques like mindfulness or breathing exercises into your daily routine. Keep tracking when these episodes occur, noting any associated activities or food intake, and be sure to mention all of this to your healthcare provider. Though it might be anxiety-related, it’s good to rule out other factors as well, prioritizing your health and peace of mind. If you ever experience severe symptoms, like intense dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath during these episodes, seek immediate medical attention.

6475 answered questions
75% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions