It’s the middle of the night—or the middle of a meeting—and suddenly your heart’s pounding like you’ve run a marathon. Here’s what could be happening (and when to take it seriously).
Why Is My Heart Racing Out of Nowhere?
What Is a Heart Palpitation?
Palpitations are the feeling that your heart is beating too fast, fluttering, skipping, or pounding in your chest. They can last seconds—or minutes. And they can be harmless, anxiety-related… or a red flag.
Common Causes of Sudden Heart Racing
- Stress or anxiety: A common cause—especially with shallow breathing or panic.
- Caffeine or stimulants: Coffee, energy drinks, pre-workouts, or cold meds can spike your rate.
- Dehydration or low electrolytes: Your heart works harder when your body’s off balance.
- Hormonal changes: Menopause, thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal issues can all trigger it.
- Heart rhythm problems: Conditions like atrial fibrillation or SVT may need medical evaluation.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If your heart racing is:
- Happening frequently or without an obvious cause
- Accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting
- Waking you from sleep regularly
- Combined with fatigue or feeling “off” most days
Then it’s time to check in. You don’t have to panic—but don’t ignore it either.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Cut back on caffeine and watch for patterns (keep a symptom diary).
- Check your hydration and electrolyte intake—especially if active or sweating often.
- Start monitoring your heart rate: Use a fitness tracker or at-home BP monitor with HR display.
- Book a primary care visit—we can do an ECG, order blood work, and get to the root of it.
It Might Be Nothing. Or It Might Be Something.
If you’ve been brushing off your racing heart—don’t. It could be anxiety, hormones, or something cardiac. We’ll help you figure it out.
You know your body. If it’s talking, we’re here to listen.
Find more heart-smart insights in Pure Insights.