Written by HOP Medical Centre Health Content Team | Published: November 2026

Heart palpitations feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, pounding or skipping a beat. They can appear at rest, after coffee, during a stressful meeting or in the middle of the night. Most episodes are harmless and pass quickly, but they can still feel alarming. This guide explains common causes, the warning signs that matter, and the checks that can help find the reason.

What Palpitations Feel Like

People describe palpitations in different ways. Some feel a rapid thumping in the chest, while others notice a flip or pause followed by a strong beat. You may feel it in your chest, throat or neck. Episodes can last a few seconds or several minutes.

Importantly, the feeling itself does not tell you whether the heart is healthy. Sometimes the heart is working normally and you are simply more aware of it. At other times, a rhythm change or another condition sits behind it.

Everyday Causes

Many episodes link back to daily habits. Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can all speed up or irritate the heart. Stress and anxiety release adrenaline, which raises the heart rate. In addition, poor sleep, dehydration and hard exercise can trigger a pounding heartbeat.

Some medicines also affect heart rate, including certain decongestants and asthma inhalers. If you suspect a medicine, speak to your doctor before changing anything. NHS guidance lists these everyday triggers among the most common causes (https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/heart-palpitations/).

Medical Causes Worth Ruling Out

When palpitations keep returning, a medical cause deserves a look. An overactive thyroid can speed up the heart. Anaemia forces the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen. Imbalances in body salts such as sodium and potassium can affect heart rhythm, and low blood sugar can cause shakiness and a pounding pulse. In some people, an abnormal heart rhythm is the cause.

The table below links each possibility to a check that can help.

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<table style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:16px;">
  <thead>
    <tr style="background:#0F2A4A;color:#ffffff;">
      <th style="padding:12px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Possible cause</th>
      <th style="padding:12px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Clues that may come with it</th>
      <th style="padding:12px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Check that can help</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Overactive thyroid</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Sweating, tremor, weight loss, feeling hot</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Thyroid profile</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Anaemia</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Tiredness, pale skin, breathlessness</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Hematology profile, plus an Iron or Anaemia Profile depending on tier</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Salt imbalance or dehydration</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Thirst, cramps, weakness</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Kidney profile</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Blood sugar changes</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Shakiness, hunger, sweating</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Diabetes profile</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Heart rhythm problem</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Sudden episodes, irregular beat, lightheadedness</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">ECG, and further heart tests if a doctor advises</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Low blood oxygen or lung issue</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Breathlessness, cough, chest tightness</td>
      <td style="padding:12px;border:1px solid #d9e2e8;">Oxygen saturation reading</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Heart Palpitations: Warning Signs That Need Prompt Care

Brief, occasional episodes that fade on their own are usually not a concern. However, see a doctor if they keep coming back, last longer than a few minutes, happen more often, or you have a heart condition or a family history of heart problems.

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  <strong>When to seek emergency help:</strong> Palpitations that do not settle, or that come with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or feeling faint, need urgent attention. Call 995 or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a screening appointment.
</div>

What a Check Can and Cannot Show

An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity and is often the first test for palpitations. HOP Medical Centre includes ECG within its executive health screening packages, and its team explains how to read the results in a separate guide (https://hop.sg/ecg-results-explained-heart-health-report/). HOP also offers treadmill testing, so ask the doctor whether it suits you.

There is one honest limit, however. An ECG only captures the moment it runs. If your palpitations come and go, the recording can look normal even when something is happening at other times. A normal result is still useful, because it helps rule out some causes. If episodes continue, the doctor may suggest longer monitoring or further heart tests.

Beyond the heart itself, every HOP executive tier includes a blood pressure check, an oxygen saturation reading, and Thyroid, Hematology, Kidney and Diabetes profiles. Iron Profile appears in Premium Economy and Business Class, while Anaemia Profile appears in First Class and Suites Class. You can compare tiers on the package page (https://hop.sg/health-screening-singapore-hopmedicalcentre/).

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Simple Habits That May Help

While you wait for answers, a few changes can ease the load. Cut back on caffeine, especially in the afternoon, and avoid smoking. Drink water regularly and keep to regular meals. Moreover, aim for steady sleep and find a stress outlet that works for you, such as walking or slow breathing.

A short diary helps too. Note when each episode starts, how long it lasts, and what you were doing. That pattern gives your doctor far more to work with than a general description.

Frequently Asked Questions on Symptoms

Are heart palpitations dangerous?

Often they are not. They become more concerning when they come with chest pain, breathlessness or fainting, or when they keep returning.

Can anxiety cause heart palpitations?

Yes. Anxiety releases adrenaline, which can speed up or strengthen the heartbeat. A doctor can still check for other causes if episodes persist.

Can caffeine or alcohol trigger them?

Yes. Both can irritate the heart and bring on a racing or fluttering feeling in some people.

Why do palpitations happen at night?

You notice your heartbeat more when it is quiet and you are lying still. Stress, late caffeine or alcohol can also play a part.

Can anaemia or a thyroid problem cause palpitations?

Both can. Anaemia makes the heart work harder, and an overactive thyroid can speed it up.

Frequently Asked Questions on Testing

Which tests help find the cause?

A blood pressure check, an ECG, and thyroid, hematology, kidney and diabetes profiles are common starting points. A doctor decides what else you need.

Can a normal ECG rule out a heart problem?

Not always. An ECG records one moment, so it may miss rhythm changes that come and go. Tell your doctor if episodes continue.

Do I need to fast before these checks?

It depends on the package and tests you choose. HOP will confirm the instructions when you book.

When should I see a doctor?

See one if palpitations are frequent, last more than a few minutes, or you have a heart condition or family history. Seek emergency care for chest pain, breathlessness or fainting.

Next Step if Your Heart Keeps Racing

If heart palpitations keep returning, a basic check can replace worry with information. HOP Medical Centre has clinics at Palais Renaissance in Orchard and the CPF Building in Tampines. You can read about the full executive range on the main page (https://hop.sg/executive-health-screening/).

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  <a href="https://hop.sg/executive-health-screening/" style="background:#0F2A4A;color:#ffffff;padding:14px 28px;border-radius:6px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:bold;display:inline-block;">Book an Executive Health Screening</a>
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