Most of us have experienced the occasional flutter or skipped beat in our chest. Maybe it happened after a cup of strong coffee, during a stressful meeting, or while lying in bed at night. These sensations, known as heart palpitations, are surprisingly common—and in many cases, harmless. But not always.

As a cardiologist, one of the most frequent concerns I hear from patients is: 
“My heart feels like it’s racing or skipping. Should I be worried?”

The short answer is: it depends. Let’s break down what heart palpitations are, what causes them, and when they could be a sign of something more serious.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are sensations that make you suddenly aware of your heartbeat. You might feel like your heart is:

• Racing

• Fluttering

• Skipping beats

• Beating too hard

• Pausing for a moment and then pounding again

They can last just a few seconds or go on for minutes. Some people feel them occasionally; others experience them daily.

Common (and Often Harmless) Causes

Many palpitations are triggered by things that temporarily stimulate your heart. These include:

• Caffeine or energy drinks

• Dehydration

• Stress or anxiety

• Exercise

• Lack of sleep

• Alcohol or recreational drugs

• Certain medications, including decongestants or asthma inhalers

In healthy individuals, occasional palpitations related to these triggers are rarely dangerous.

When Heart Palpitations Might Be a Problem

While most palpitations are benign, there are times when they could point to an underlying heart issue. You should seek medical evaluation—especially from a cardiologist—if you notice any of the following:

🔴 Palpitations with Other Symptoms

If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, short of breath, have chest pain, or faint along with palpitations, it could signal a heart rhythm problem such as:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

• Ventricular arrhythmias

• Heart valve disease

🔴 Palpitations Lasting a Long Time or Occurring Often

Persistent or frequent palpitations—especially those that come out of nowhere—deserve a closer look.

🔴 Underlying Heart or Medical Conditions

People with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, or electrolyte imbalances should take palpitations more seriously, as these conditions can increase the risk of dangerous arrhythmias.

How We Evaluate Heart Palpitations at Apex

At Apex Heart & Vascular Center in Cypress, TX, we take a thorough and compassionate approach to evaluating heart rhythm symptoms. Depending on your situation, we may recommend:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) – a quick test to assess your heart rhythm

• Holter monitor – a 24- to 48-hour wearable monitor to detect irregular beats

• Event monitor – for longer-term tracking if symptoms are infrequent

• Echocardiogram – to check your heart’s structure and function

• Blood tests – to assess thyroid function or electrolyte levels

• Stress test or advanced rhythm studies, if needed

What Treatments Are Available?

Treatment depends on the cause. Some patients benefit from lifestyle changes (hydration, stress management, avoiding triggers), while others may require medication or cardiac procedures like ablation or pacemaker implantation if an arrhythmia is diagnosed.

The good news? Most people with palpitations don’t have a serious condition. But for those who do, early detection can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts from Your Cypress Cardiologist

Palpitations can feel scary—but they don’t always mean something’s wrong. Still, your peace of mind matters. At Apex Heart & Vascular Center, we’re here to listen to your concerns, evaluate your symptoms, and help you understand what your heart is telling you.