Heart Palpitations
Palpitation refers to an unpleasant sensation of the heartbeat, often a fast heart. During a palpitation, the heart might feel like it’s racing, fluttering, skipping a beat, or beating irregularly. You may feel as if the heart is coming out of the chest wall. What is a Heart Palpitation? Palpitation refers to an unpleasant sensation of the heartbeat, often a fast heart. During a palpitation,
What it is
Sinus tachycardia from caffeine, alcohol, anxiety, dehydration or thyroid disease accounts for a large proportion of palpitations. Ectopic beats (atrial or ventricular) are common and usually benign. The arrhythmias we want to rule out are atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and (rarely) ventricular tachycardia in the context of structural heart disease.
Symptoms and signs
- A fluttering, pounding or "missed beat" sensation in the chest.
- Episodes lasting seconds to minutes, often at rest or just after exertion.
- Palpitations associated with dizziness, breathlessness, chest discomfort or fainting — these warrant prompt assessment.
- Persistent rapid heartbeat (> 100 at rest) lasting more than a few minutes.
- Irregular pulse — particularly if you have had a stroke, TIA, or are over 65.
How we investigate
Same-visit 12-lead ECG, thyroid function, full blood count, electrolytes and structured rhythm symptom diary. Where the resting ECG is normal but symptoms are recurrent, we fit a 24-hour Holter monitor, 7-day event recorder, or implantable loop recorder via our partner centres. Echocardiogram where structural disease is suspected.
Treatment options at The Vesey
- Lifestyle review — caffeine, alcohol, sleep, hydration, stimulant medications and triggers.
- Reassurance with documented rhythm capture — capturing the rhythm during a typical episode is often all that is needed.
- Rate or rhythm control medication — beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmics for confirmed clinically-significant arrhythmias.
- Anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation — CHA₂DS₂-VASc-guided assessment and DOAC prescription where indicated.
- Onward referral to electrophysiology — for SVT, atrial flutter or symptomatic AF being considered for catheter ablation.
Can stress or anxiety cause palpitations? +
Yes, anxiety and stress are common triggers — they activate the sympathetic nervous system and raise heart rate. If palpitations occur exclusively during anxiety episodes with no other features, a structured psychological assessment alongside cardiac review is often helpful.
What is the difference between atrial fibrillation and a normal fast heart rate? +
AF is an irregular, often rapid rhythm where the atria fire chaotically — producing an irregular pulse. A normal fast heart rate (sinus tachycardia) has a regular beat. Distinguishing them requires an ECG recorded during the episode.
Do I need to wear a heart monitor? +
If the resting ECG is normal and palpitations are infrequent, a 24-hour or 7-day Holter monitor is typically fitted at or shortly after your first consultation to capture the rhythm during a typical episode.
When should I go to A&E instead of booking privately? +
Go to A&E immediately if palpitations are accompanied by collapse, prolonged chest pain, breathlessness at rest, or a very fast sustained rate you cannot interrupt. For isolated, brief, recurrent palpitations without these features, a private clinic appointment is appropriate.
Pricing at a glance
Initial consultant cardiology consultation £260 (12-lead ECG £50). 24-hour Holter monitor from £290. 7-day event recorder from £450. Echocardiogram from £320. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to see a specialist
Book if palpitations are recurrent, lasting more than a few minutes, associated with dizziness or breathlessness, or you have a family history of sudden cardiac death. If you have collapsed or had near-loss-of-consciousness with palpitations, call 999.
Cost and pathway
Initial consultant cardiology consultation £260 (12-lead ECG £50). 24-hour Holter monitor from £290. 7-day event recorder from £450. Echocardiogram from £320.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our consultant cardiology team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
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Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
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