VHOSPITAL.CLINIC · Medical Q&A

What Causes Palpitations?

A complete overview of all potential causes of palpitations, from benign to serious medical conditions.

What It Means

Palpitations has many potential causes spanning multiple organ systems. A systematic approach — considering the character, timing, triggers, and associated symptoms — helps identify the most likely cause and guides appropriate management.

Common Causes

  • Infectious causes: viral, bacterial, or fungal pathogens triggering systemic or localised palpitations
  • Inflammatory/autoimmune: the body's immune response producing palpitations as a bystander effect
  • Metabolic: disorders of thyroid, adrenal, or blood glucose regulation
  • Structural/mechanical: nerve compression, joint damage, or organ enlargement
  • Underlying conditions: Hypertension, Hyperthyroidism, Anxiety Disorder, Heart Attack are among the leading identifiable causes

Red Flags — When to Act

  • Unintentional weight loss accompanying palpitations (possible malignancy or metabolic disease)
  • Night sweats, fever, and palpitations persisting >2 weeks
  • New palpitations in someone with a known cancer, immunosuppression, or recent surgery
  • Rapid progression or change in the character of long-standing palpitations
  • Family history of serious hereditary conditions presenting with palpitations

What to Do Now

  1. 1.Keep a symptom diary: date, time, severity, triggers, and what improves or worsens palpitations
  2. 2.Review your medications — many drugs can cause palpitations as a side effect
  3. 3.Assess lifestyle factors: sleep, diet, alcohol, exercise, and hydration
  4. 4.Use our AI symptom checker to receive a structured differential and guidance
  5. 5.Book a GP appointment for persistent, recurring, or unexplained palpitations

When to See a Doctor

  • Palpitations persists beyond 1 week without an obvious cause
  • Severity is moderate-to-severe or worsening over time
  • Any red-flag features are present (see above)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of palpitations?

The most common causes of palpitations in the general population are stress, dehydration, poor sleep, and minor infections. In specific populations, Hypertension and other underlying conditions account for a significant proportion of cases.

Can medications cause palpitations?

Yes — many medications list palpitations as a potential side effect. Common culprits include antihypertensives, antibiotics, NSAIDs, and hormonal treatments. Review your medication list with a pharmacist or doctor if you suspect a drug-related cause.

Is palpitations always related to a physical cause?

No. Psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress disorders frequently produce genuine physical palpitations through the mind-body axis. Psychosomatic palpitations is a real, measurable phenomenon requiring appropriate treatment.

Related Resources

Possible Causes

  • Infectious causes: viral, bacterial, or fungal pathogens triggering systemic or localised palpitations
  • Inflammatory/autoimmune: the body's immune response producing palpitations as a bystander effect
  • Metabolic: disorders of thyroid, adrenal, or blood glucose regulation
  • Structural/mechanical: nerve compression, joint damage, or organ enlargement
palpitationsFull symptom guide

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Medical ReviewvHospital Editorial Team · 2024–2025
Sources:WHOPubMedUpToDateNICE