Medically reviewed by Dr Pinakin V Parekh, General & Interventional Cardiologist (MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), GDFM (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Glasgow)). Last Updated: 2026, 28 August
Founder & Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
Dr Pinakin V Parekh is an interventional cardiologist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in heart care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heaart diseases, including procedures such as angiogram and angioplasty.
Heart palpitations are sensations where you become unusually aware of your heartbeat.
People often describe them as:
Palpitations may last for a few seconds or longer and can occur during activity, at rest, or even during sleep.
Palpitations can feel different from person to person.
Common symptoms include:
Some people may also experience:
While many episodes are harmless, symptoms such as fainting, chest pain, or significant breathlessness should be evaluated promptly.
Heart palpitations can occur for many reasons, ranging from lifestyle factors to underlying heart conditions.
Common causes include:
In some cases, palpitations are caused by an arrhythmia, which is an abnormal heart rhythm.
Examples include:
Identifying the underlying cause is important because treatment depends on what is triggering the symptoms.
Some people notice heart palpitations after eating.
This can occur due to:
Occasional palpitations after eating are often not serious, but recurring symptoms should be assessed, especially if accompanied by dizziness, chest discomfort, or breathlessness.
Many palpitations are harmless and resolve on their own. However, some symptoms may suggest a more serious underlying condition.
You should seek medical attention if palpitations occur together with:
Most heart palpitations are not dangerous and do not lead to serious complications.
However, some palpitations are caused by abnormal heart rhythms that may increase the risk of:
This is why recurring or unexplained palpitations should be properly assessed rather than ignored.
Many patients are reassured when their ECG is normal but still wonder why they continue to experience palpitations.
A normal ECG does not always rule out an arrhythmia.
This is because:
Additional monitoring may be needed to capture the heart rhythm when symptoms occur.
Your cardiologist may recommend one or more tests to determine whether an underlying heart rhythm condition is present.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity.
It helps identify:
A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device worn continuously for 24 to 72 hours. It helps detect intermittent rhythm abnormalities that may not appear during a standard ECG.
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to assess the heart’s structure and function.
It helps identify:
This test evaluates how the heart responds during physical activity. It may be recommended if palpitations occur during exercise or exertion.
Blood tests may help identify underlying causes such as:
Certain foods and drinks can trigger palpitations in some individuals.
Common triggers include:
Not everyone has the same triggers, so it can be helpful to monitor which foods appear to worsen symptoms.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the palpitations, the severity of symptoms, and whether an arrhythmia is present.
Many patients benefit from simple lifestyle modifications such as:
Medications may be prescribed to:
Treatment recommendations depend on the specific diagnosis.
Palpitations can sometimes be improved by treating the underlying cause.
Examples include:
Managing these conditions may reduce the frequency of symptoms.
Catheter Ablation for Arrhythmias
For some arrhythmias, catheter ablation may be recommended.
This minimally invasive procedure involves:
Catheter ablation can help reduce or eliminate certain abnormal heart rhythms in suitable patients.
You should consider seeing a cardiologist if:
A cardiologist can help determine whether palpitations are harmless or linked to an underlying arrhythmia or heart condition.
Patients often value Dr Pinakin’s approach because it focuses on:
Determining whether palpitations are harmless or linked to an underlying heart rhythm condition.
Using appropriate investigations to identify triggers, arrhythmias, or structural heart problems.
Tailoring treatment based on symptoms, frequency, lifestyle, and overall heart health.
Yes. Anxiety and stress are common causes of palpitations and can make you more aware of your heartbeat.
Most palpitations are not caused by a heart attack. However, palpitations accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness, or sweating should be assessed urgently.
Seek urgent medical attention if palpitations occur together with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or prolonged rapid heart rate.
Recurring heart palpitations should be assessed, especially if they are frequent, worsening, or associated with dizziness, breathlessness, or chest discomfort.
It is best to reduce caffeine, alcohol, and energy drinks, as well as highly processed or sugary foods, as these can trigger palpitations in some people.
Dr Pinakin uses current, evidence-based methods to carefully evaluate and treat heart conditions, helping you feel confident in your care.
Every patient is treated as an individual, with attention to your full health and lifestyle, not just the heart problem.
From assessment to treatment, screenings and procedures are conveniently coordinated in one place for a smoother, more reassuring experience.
