A sudden, noticeably fast, strong or irregular heartbeat unsettles many people — but is harmless in the vast majority of cases. Often there is a completely everyday cause behind it, such as excitement, caffeine or lack of sleep. Sometimes, however, an underlying cardiac arrhythmia is the cause, which can be well classified and monitored. What matters is in which situations the racing heart occurs, how long it lasts and how it feels.
Possible causes
Autonomic Triggers
Excitement, stress, nervousness, caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine can make the heart beat faster temporarily. This rapid heartbeat usually subsides on its own and is harmless.
Heart Palpitations (Extra Beats)
Individual extra heartbeats are often felt as 'skipping' or brief pausing. They also occur in people with healthy hearts and are generally harmless.
Cardiac Arrhythmia
With paroxysmal, very fast, or irregular heartbeat, a rhythm disorder such as atrial fibrillation may be the underlying cause. It can be detected with an ECG and well managed by cardiology.
Contributing Causes
Hyperthyroidism, fever, anemia, or fluid deficiency can also make the heart beat faster. These causes are also medically evaluated.
Typical steps at the doctor's office
- 1During the consultation, the doctor will ask when the rapid heartbeat occurs, how it begins and ends, how long it lasts, and whether accompanying symptoms are present. A simple self-pulse check or a symptom diary helps to identify the pattern.
- 2An ECG records the heart rhythm; if the rapid heartbeat is only present intermittently, a long-term ECG over 24 hours or longer may be useful. Blood pressure measurement and usually a blood test (including thyroid values, among others) are added as well.
- 3Depending on the findings, further examinations such as a cardiac ultrasound may follow. Further management is determined based on the cause and is decided together with the cardiologist or general practitioner.
What you can do yourself
- Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine — they are common triggers for noticeable rapid heartbeat.
- Pay attention to regular sleep and rest periods; stress can often be noticeably reduced with relaxation exercises or breathing techniques.
- Regular, moderate exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and generally makes the heartbeat calmer.
- Drink enough fluids and eat a balanced diet so that fluid or mineral deficiency does not place additional demands on the heart.
Heart racing accompanied by fainting or near-fainting, chest pain or shortness of breath, as well as a pulse that persists at rest above 150 beats per minute: call 144 immediately. Seek medical advice if the heart racing occurs more frequently, lasts for a long time, begins without an identifiable cause, or worries you in everyday life. Recurring heart flutter should also be assessed once, calmly. Your family doctor or cardiology are responsible for this.
Frequently asked questions
- Is rapid heartbeat dangerous?
- Usually not. Very often harmless triggers such as excitement or caffeine are behind it. It is important to have recurrent or paroxysmal rapid heartbeat medically assessed at some point so that a rhythm disorder can be detected or ruled out.
- What can I note down before the doctor's appointment?
- Record when the rapid heartbeat occurs, how long it lasts, how fast and whether the pulse beats regularly, and what you were doing at the time. This information helps the doctor narrow down the cause.
- What examination is standard?
- The ECG is central, often supplemented by a long-term ECG, blood pressure measurement, and a blood test. If needed, a cardiac ultrasound is added.
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