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Harmless extra heartbeats (palpitations)

Also called: Palpitations, extra heartbeats, PVCs, PACs, skipped beats

Feeling your heart flutter, pound, skip, or race. Extra heartbeats are very common and usually harmless, often triggered by caffeine, stress, or poor sleep.

TypeUsually harmless
Common triggersCaffeine, stress, alcohol, nicotine
Get checkedWith chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath

Overview

Premature beats start early from the upper (PACs) or lower (PVCs) heart chambers. The next beat feels stronger, like a thump or skip.

Palpitations can also come from anxiety, fever, thyroid problems, anemia, or heart rhythm problems.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Irregular, skipping, or fluttering heartbeat
  • Pounding heartbeat

Less common

  • Brief racing heart

When to get medical care

Call 911Palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or confusion.
Get care todayA racing heart that won't slow down, or palpitations with dizziness.
See a doctor soonPalpitations that happen often or worry you.

Causes

Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, stress, poor sleep, exercise, fever, thyroid problems, anemia, and heart conditions.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Anxiety
  • Pregnancy
  • Heart disease

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional checks your heart rhythm.

Questions you may be asked

  • Triggers and how long episodes last
  • Fainting or chest pain

The exam

Listening to the heart and checking pulse and blood pressure.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • ECG:
  • Heart monitor: Worn for days to weeks.
  • Blood tests: Thyroid and anemia.

Treatment

Most extra beats need no treatment.

Self-care

  • Cut back on caffeine, energy drinks, and alcohol
  • Don't smoke or vape
  • Sleep well and manage stress

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Beta blockers (prescription)
Bothersome extra beatsCan cause tiredness.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent them:

  • Limit caffeine and alcohol
  • Sleep well

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Extra heartbeats in a healthy heart are harmless.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Do I need a heart monitor?
  • Are my triggers safe to keep?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Harmless extra heartbeats (palpitations)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.