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Palpitations and dizziness

If palpitations come with dizziness, getting checked is recommended.

Detailed articles: 3

Reviewed by a doctorSherzod Nasirovich SabirovCardiologist-arrhythmologist

Short answer

When palpitations come with dizziness, the causes may vary, including a rhythm disorder. If there is fainting, chest pain or shortness of breath, seek emergency help.

This is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.

Normal sinus rhythm

Fast rhythm

Two recordings over the same length of time. Schematic image, not a patient recording.

Reviewed by a doctor

In detail: articles on this topic

Symptoms7 min read

Is fainting dangerous? Causes and next steps

Fainting (syncope) is usually not serious, but its cause must be found by a doctor. According to a summary of the ESC guidelines, the most common cause is reflex fainting, and heart-related causes come second. If the person is not breathing or does not come round within 1 minute, call 103 right away. In other cases, see a doctor too.

In the article:

  1. Is fainting dangerous?
  2. What causes fainting?
  3. When should you call for emergency help right away?
  4. What tests are done after fainting?
  5. Is a pacemaker needed for fainting?
  6. What should you do next time, and what should you tell the doctor?
  7. Frequently asked questions
Read the paper

Symptoms6 min read

When your heart starts racing: is it dangerous and what should you do?

A racing heart also happens after exercise, excitement or an infection and is not always a sign of disease, but only tests can find its cause. A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute at rest is called tachycardia. If severe chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting join the racing heart, call 103 without waiting.

In the article:

  1. Is a racing heart dangerous?
  2. Why does the heart race?
  3. What should you do right now?
  4. When should you see a doctor or call 103?
  5. What is done during the tests?
  6. What is a racing heart that starts suddenly and stops suddenly?
  7. Frequently asked questions
Read the paper

Arrhythmias6 min read

Your heart suddenly races and then stops on its own: what is it, and is there a permanent solution?

If your heart suddenly starts beating fast and then suddenly stops on its own, this may be typical of arrhythmias such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), but only an ECG recorded during an attack confirms the diagnosis. A special straining technique (the Valsalva maneuver) sometimes stops an attack; you should learn it from a doctor. If attacks keep coming back, you can talk to your doctor about ablation: the decision is made after discussing the risks and benefits.

In the article:

  1. What does it mean when your heart suddenly races and then stops on its own?
  2. What should you do during an attack?
  3. Can the modified Valsalva maneuver stop an attack?
  4. If attacks keep coming back, is there a permanent solution?
  5. How is the diagnosis made, and what should you bring to the appointment?
  6. Frequently asked questions
Read the paper

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to see a doctor even if I fainted only once?

According to the NHS, fainting is usually not serious, but you should see a doctor to find its cause. The cause may be harmless, or it may be related to the heart; only testing shows which. So get checked even after a single episode.

Answer from the article: Is fainting dangerous? Causes and next steps

Can a racing heart be caused by stress?

Yes, AFib Matters lists excitement and anxiety among the possible causes, and the same goes for caffeine and other conditions not related to the heart. But do not put a racing heart down to stress alone: it may also be an arrhythmia, and an ECG and an examination by a doctor find this out.

Answer from the article: When your heart starts racing: is it dangerous and what should you do?

Is supraventricular tachycardia dangerous?

There is no single answer for everyone: attacks vary. If they come with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, AFib Matters writes that immediate medical attention is needed. In other cases, too, the cause must be identified by a doctor: only testing shows whether it is dangerous or safe.

Answer from the article: Your heart suddenly races and then stops on its own: what is it, and is there a permanent solution?

What is the most common cause of fainting?

According to the ACC summary of the 2018 ESC syncope guideline, at any age the most common cause is reflex fainting, and a heart-related cause comes second. The doctor determines through testing which one applies to you.

Answer from the article: Is fainting dangerous? Causes and next steps

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Emergency: if you have severe chest pain, severe shortness of breath or fainting, do not fill in the form — call 103 immediately.

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