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Heart Palpitations: Causes & When to See a Doctor

خفقان القلب

Quick summary

Heart palpitations are the sensation that the heart is beating fast, hard, or irregularly. They are often transient and harmless, linked to stress, caffeine, or exertion. However, recurrent palpitations or those with dizziness or chest pain warrant medical evaluation for reassurance.

Last updated: 27 July 2026
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified physician. A single symptom can have many causes — do not use this information for self-diagnosis or self-treatment.

What is Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are a common sensation that people describe as the heart "fluttering" or racing or skipping a beat. Most of the time they are transient and benign, especially after exertion, stress, or caffeine intake.

However, recurrent palpitations or those accompanied by other symptoms warrant medical attention to ensure the health of your heart.

Possible causes

  • Stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.
  • Caffeine or stimulants.
  • Intense physical exertion.
  • Poor sleep or dehydration.
  • Sometimes heart rhythm disorders that require evaluation.

These are common causes; identifying the exact cause requires medical assessment if the symptom recurs.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if:

  • Palpitations recur or persist for longer periods.
  • They occur without clear cause or affect your daily activities.

Seek emergency care immediately if palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, severe shortness of breath, severe dizziness, or fainting.

This content is for general educational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a specialist doctor, and should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment.

FAQs about Heart Palpitations

هل خفقان القلب دائماً خطير؟
لا، معظم حالات الخفقان عابرة وحميدة وترتبط بالتوتر أو الكافيين أو المجهود. لكن الخفقان المتكرّر أو المصحوب بأعراض أخرى يستدعي التقييم الطبي.
هل الكافيين يسبّب الخفقان؟
نعم، الكافيين والمنبّهات من المحفّزات الشائعة للخفقان لدى بعض الناس. تقليلها قد يساعد، لكن تكرار العرض يستحق استشارة الطبيب.
متى يكون الخفقان طارئاً؟
الخفقان المصحوب بألم صدر أو ضيق تنفّس شديد أو دوخة شديدة أو إغماء حالة تستدعي رعاية طبية فورية.
هل القلق يسبّب خفقان القلب؟
نعم، القلق ونوبات الهلع قد تسبّب إحساساً بالخفقان. مع ذلك، يُفضّل التقييم الطبي عند الشك لاستبعاد الأسباب الأخرى.

Related Q&A

Heart Palpitations: Causes and When to See a Doctor | ClinicsJo