Symptom Combination

Dizziness and Palpitations: Causes, Conditions & When to See a Doctor

Dizziness with palpitations suggests arrhythmia reducing cerebral blood flow — SVT, paroxysmal AF, VT, or complete heart block. Orthostatic hypotension with reflex tachycardia also produces this combination. The dizziness results from reduced cardiac output during the arrhythmic event.

→ Dizziness Overview → Palpitations Overview

Possible Causes of Dizziness and Palpitations

Conditions that commonly cause both symptoms together

1SVT with pre-syncope from transient hypoperfusion
2Paroxysmal AF with rapid ventricular response and dizziness
3Ventricular tachycardia with hemodynamic compromise
4Orthostatic hypotension with reflex tachycardia
5Hypoglycemia with sympathetically-driven palpitations and lightheadedness

Emergency Red Flags

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these

Prolonged palpitations > 30 seconds with persistent dizziness

Near-syncope or syncope during a palpitation episode

Irregular pulse during dizziness episode (AF)

Palpitations triggered by exercise with severe dizziness

Chest discomfort accompanying palpitations and dizziness

When to See a Doctor

Schedule a medical consultation if you notice these signs

Ambulatory ECG monitoring if symptoms are paroxysmal

Emergency evaluation if symptoms are prolonged or severe

Blood glucose check to exclude hypoglycemia immediately

Tilt-table test for suspected orthostatic hypotension

Conditions That Cause Both Dizziness and Palpitations

10 conditions are associated with this symptom combination

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Often called the 'silent killer', it usually has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, characterized by excessive fear, worry, or nervousness that interferes with daily activities. Types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety.

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia refers to irregular heart rhythms â€” the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others (like atrial fibrillation) significantly increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is narrowing of the aortic valve opening, restricting blood flow from the heart. It causes exertional chest pain, syncope, and heart failure; valve replacement is required for severe symptomatic disease.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, caused by inadequate dietary intake, blood loss, or malabsorption. It causes fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and pica; iron supplementation is the treatment.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, characterized by rapid and irregular atrial beating. It significantly increases stroke and heart failure risk.

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks with intense physical symptoms. It often leads to persistent worry about future attacks and behavioral avoidance.

Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar, typically below 70 mg/dL. Most common in people with diabetes, it causes rapid neurological and adrenaline-driven symptoms requiring prompt treatment.

Explore Individual Symptoms

In-depth pages for each symptom in this combination

Dizziness — Full Overview Causes Treatment When to See a Doctor Related Questions

Palpitations — Full Overview Causes Treatment When to See a Doctor Related Questions

Medical Questions About Dizziness and Palpitations

Evidence-based answers from medical experts

Early Signs of Hypertension How to Manage Hypertension Early Signs of Anxiety Disorder How to Manage Anxiety Disorder Early Signs of Cardiac Arrhythmia How to Manage Cardiac Arrhythmia Early Signs of Aortic Stenosis How to Manage Aortic Stenosis

Clinical Matches — Authority Pages

Condition-level differential and comparison resources for this combination

Differential analyses:

🔬Atrial Fibrillation: differential →🔬Aortic Stenosis: differential →🔬Panic Disorder: differential →

Condition comparisons:

⇄Atrial Fibrillation vs Panic Disorder →⇄Anxiety Disorder vs Panic Disorder →

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