Heart Palpitations (Tez Dhadkan): Causes & When to Worry

That sudden feeling of your heart racing, fluttering or skipping a beat — tez dhadkan — can be unsettling, especially when it arrives out of nowhere. The good news: most palpitations are harmless. But some deserve a doctor’s attention, and knowing the difference brings real peace of mind.

This doctor-reviewed guide explains what heart palpitations are, the everyday triggers behind them, the warning signs that mean “see a doctor now,” and the calming, heart-healthy habits that support a steady heartbeat.

Key Takeaways

• Palpitations are an awareness of your own heartbeat — feeling it pound, race, flutter or skip.
• Most are harmless and linked to stress, caffeine, lack of sleep, dehydration or exertion.
• Red-flag palpitations — with chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or dizziness — need urgent medical care.
• Thyroid problems, anaemia, low blood sugar, some medicines and heart-rhythm conditions can also cause them.
• Ayurvedic herbs and calming routines are traditionally used to support a healthy heart and a calm mind — alongside, not instead of, medical care.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are simply the feeling of being aware of your own heartbeat — it may seem to pound, race, flutter, or skip a beat. You might notice it in your chest, throat or neck. Episodes usually last a few seconds to a few minutes and often pass on their own. In most people they are not a sign of heart disease.

Common Causes & Triggers

Everyday, non-serious triggers are by far the most common reason for palpitations:

• Stress, anxiety or a panic moment — adrenaline speeds the heart.
• Caffeine (too much chai, coffee or energy drinks) and tobacco.
• Poor or too little sleep.
• Dehydration or skipping meals (low blood sugar).
• Intense exercise or sudden exertion.
• Heavy, spicy or very large meals.

Some medical causes also need ruling out, especially if palpitations are frequent:

• Thyroid imbalance (an overactive thyroid is a classic cause).
• Anaemia (low haemoglobin) — common in India, especially in women.
• Fever or infection, or hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause).
• Some medicines, decongestants and certain supplements.
• Heart-rhythm conditions (arrhythmias) — less common, but the reason a doctor’s check matters.

When to Worry: Red-Flag Signs

Palpitations on their own are usually fine. It is the company they keep that matters. Seek emergency care if palpitations come with any of these:

• Chest pain, pressure or tightness.
• Severe breathlessness.
• Fainting, near-fainting or sudden dizziness.
• A very fast or irregular heartbeat that will not settle.

Also see a doctor (not an emergency, but soon) if palpitations are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, or waking you from sleep, or if you have known heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of sudden cardiac problems.

The Ayurvedic Perspective on a Steady Heart

In Ayurveda, the heart (hridaya) is the seat of both circulation and a calm mind, governed largely by Vyana Vata and Sadhaka Pitta. When the mind is agitated or Vata is aggravated, the heartbeat can feel unsettled. Classical texts describe herbs that are traditionally used to support healthy heart function and a calm mind. They support everyday wellness — they do not treat arrhythmia or heart disease, which need a doctor.

• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) — the classical Ayurvedic hridya (heart-supporting) herb, traditionally used to support healthy cardiac function.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) — an adaptogen traditionally used to help the body handle stress, a common palpitation trigger.
• Brahmi and Jatamansi — traditionally used to calm the mind and support restful sleep.

Practical Steps to Support a Calm, Healthy Heartbeat

• Cut back on caffeine and tobacco — notice if palpitations follow that third cup of chai.
• Sleep 7–8 hours; poor sleep is a big, under-rated trigger.
• Stay hydrated and don’t skip meals — keep blood sugar steady.
• Practise slow breathing (pranayama) — try anulom-vilom or long, slow exhales when an episode starts.
• Move most days — regular, moderate activity supports a healthy heart; build up gradually.
• Eat a heart-friendly Indian diet — more vegetables, fruit, whole grains and less salt, fried and packaged food.
• Get thyroid and haemoglobin checked if palpitations are frequent — simple tests, common causes.

For more, see our guides on heart-healthy foods and everyday tips for heart health.

When to See a Doctor

Get checked if palpitations are frequent, long-lasting, or come with any red-flag symptom above — and call emergency services for chest pain, severe breathlessness or fainting. A doctor may suggest simple tests such as an ECG, thyroid profile or blood count to find the cause. Most people are reassured; a few are helped early — both are good outcomes. Never stop a prescribed heart or blood-pressure medicine on your own.

How Heart Tone Fits

For people who want daily Ayurvedic support for heart wellness, Cureayu Heart Tone™ Capsules combine traditional hridya herbs like Arjuna that are traditionally used to support healthy heart function and to complement a calm, balanced lifestyle. It is best seen as one part of a bigger routine — good sleep, stress control, sensible diet and your doctor’s guidance do the heavy lifting. If you have a heart condition, an irregular rhythm, or take medication, please check with your physician before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are heart palpitations dangerous? Most are harmless and pass on their own, often linked to stress, caffeine or poor sleep. They become concerning when they come with chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or an irregular beat that won’t settle — those need urgent medical care.

2. Why does my heart race at night or while resting? Lying still makes you more aware of your heartbeat, and late caffeine, stress, alcohol, a heavy dinner or acidity can all trigger it. If it happens often or wakes you, get it checked to rule out thyroid, anaemia or a rhythm issue.

3. Can stress and anxiety cause palpitations? Yes — anxiety is one of the most common causes. Adrenaline speeds the heart, so palpitations often come with a stressful moment. Slow breathing and calming routines usually help; persistent anxiety deserves support too.

4. What should I do during an episode? Sit down, breathe slowly with long exhales, and sip water. Most episodes settle in a few minutes. If you feel chest pain, severe breathlessness or faint, treat it as an emergency and get help immediately.

5. Can Ayurvedic herbs help with palpitations? Herbs like Arjuna and Ashwagandha are traditionally used to support healthy heart function and to help the body handle stress. They are for everyday wellness, not a treatment for arrhythmia or heart disease — always get frequent palpitations medically assessed.

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Istuti, BAMS — Ayurvedic physician (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) with a focus on cardiovascular, metabolic and general wellness. Dr. Istuti reviews all Cureayu health content for accuracy and compliance.

Medically reviewed on September 24, 2026.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified physician before starting any supplement, especially if you have a kidney/prostate condition or take medication.

Sources

• MedlinePlus — Heart Palpitations. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003081.htm
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) — Arrhythmias. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/arrhythmias
• British Heart Foundation — Palpitations. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/palpitations
• Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India — Ayurveda. https://www.ayush.gov.in/

Related reading

• Heart Care (pillar)
• High Blood Pressure: Early Warning Signs
• Top Heart-Healthy Foods
• Essential Tips for Heart Health