Palpitations and a fast pulse: which doctor should I see?
Palpitations are the feeling that your heart is beating hard, fast or unevenly. They are often harmless and come with excitement, effort or coffee, but sometimes they are a sign of a rhythm disorder. Here you will learn what may be behind them, when it is urgent and which specialist to see.
Book a specialistWhen it is urgent
- Palpitations with chest pain or tightness.
- Palpitations with shortness of breath, severe dizziness or fainting.
- The palpitations do not go away, or your pulse stays very fast at rest.
With these signs, seek emergency help — call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Call 112What it may mean
- Excitement, stress or anxiety — the pulse speeds up and settles after a while.
- Coffee, energy drinks, alcohol or tobacco.
- A heart rhythm disorder — uneven beating, “skipped” beats or a sudden speeding up.
- An overactive thyroid — a fast pulse, sweating and weight loss.
- Anaemia, fever or dehydration.
Which specialist
How to prepare for the visit
Note when the palpitations appear, how long they last and what you are doing at the time. If you have a blood pressure monitor or a smartwatch, write down your pulse readings. Bring earlier test results, such as an ECG, and a list of the medicines you take.
Frequently asked questions
Are palpitations dangerous?
Often not, but the cause needs to be found. Book a visit without delay if the palpitations have stopped but came with chest pain, shortness of breath or feeling faint. The cardiologist will judge after the examination and an ECG.
Which tests will I have?
Usually an ECG, and sometimes a round-the-clock heart rhythm recording or a heart ultrasound.
Does it help to stop drinking coffee?
If the palpitations follow coffee or energy drinks, cutting down often helps.
This information does not replace a visit to a doctor.