Skip to content

A Racing Heart: When to See Your Doctor

If you notice that your heart rate is speeding up, or you suddenly feel like your heart is racing, your immediate reaction may be to rush to the emergency room.

At HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, we understand how frightening this can be. And the anxiety you feel can make the situation even worse. Here are some guidelines from our team of cardiology specialists for what to do if your heart starts racing.

What’s causing your racing heart?

A “racing heart” actually describes heart palpitations, a condition that makes it feel like your heart is speeding up or pounding in your chest. You may also experience fluttering sensations in your chest.

Some of the most common causes of heart palpitations include:

  • Fever
  • Thyroid disorder
  • Hormone changes
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Overuse of caffeine or other stimulants

Strong, emotional responses from stress, anxiety, and even depression can also play a role in heart palpitations.

In some cases, having heart palpitations can be a side effect of a serious heart condition, such as an arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

When does a racing heart need treatment?

Determining when to seek professional medical care for a racing heart is a personal decision. But at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, we recommend evaluating your situation before reacting.

Generally, if the sensation lasts for just a few seconds before going away, you can relax and call your primary care physician for a follow-up.

However, if you feel like your heart is continuing to race, it’s time to seek immediate medical care at the local emergency room. 

This visit is especially important if your racing heart is accompanied by symptoms like:

  • Fainting
  • Chest pain
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Throbbing in the neck or throat

These symptoms can indicate you have an underlying heart issue that needs medical attention. A proper diagnosis and treatment can reduce your risk for serious complications, including a heart attack, a stroke, or heart failure.

Getting treatment for heart palpitations

The goal of a diagnostic evaluation is to identify the underlying cause of your heart palpitations so that you can get the treatment you need to keep your heart and body healthy.

The providers at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, can work with you on changes you should make to protect your heart health, such as:

If you take medications for another condition, and they trigger a racing heart or other symptoms, your provider may be able to recommend an alternative.

If you often feel like your heart is racing without explanation, don’t put off having an evaluation. Call HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, today or request a diagnostic consultation at one of our five locations through our online booking feature.

New Year, New You: Start Fresh with 3 Heart-Healthy Habits

Bring in the New Year with your best health plan yet! With each passing year, time feels like it moves faster and faster. We’re reminded that every second we have to share with our families is precious. That may be why 79% of adults make a New Year’s resolution related to their health each year. 

Read More »

Enjoy Holiday Parties Without Adding Weight

December is a season of celebration, filled with holiday parties, festive meals, and delicious treats. It’s easy to worry about overindulging and undoing the healthy habits you’ve worked so hard to maintain throughout the year. But here’s the good news: you can still enjoy the holiday season without the guilt or the extra pounds! Keep

Read More »

Show Gratitude for Your Health this Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving at the heart of this month, we naturally focus on gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, and creating cherished memories. But beyond the food and festivities, November serves as a poignant reminder of something even more fundamental: our health. This November, let’s embrace the spirit of gratitude for both our relationships and our

Read More »

Healthy Tips for a Fantastic Fall

The autumn season brings with it outdoor activities, seasonal celebrations, along with shorter days and colder temps. Fall is a fantastic time to focus on health and fitness by taking advantage of the season’s fresh produce and moderate weather.    Start your fall off right and fend off flu season with these helpful tips to

Read More »

From Labor Day to World Heart Day: Have a Stress-Free September

To kick off September we celebrate National Labor Day, which honors America’s workers for their social and economic accomplishments. Their contributions to the country’s well-being remind us that we rely on each other to grow and succeed. Whether you’re employed or have a family to tend to, your health is important to those you love

Read More »

Eating Light for the “Dog Days of Summer”

When your body is faced with extreme heat, it can put a strain on your vital organs. Although heat-related deaths are preventable, approximately 1,220 people die every year in the U.S. from severely high temperatures. That’s why it’s important to take the heat seriously by caring for your body and eating and drinking the right

Read More »

HeartCare Associates of Connecticut provides the highest level of care to our patients. From treatments of common coronary problems, to non-invasive and state-of-the-art procedures, to life saving surgeries our dedicated and compassionate staff will make you feel at ease.

Some of the most common illnesses and issues we treat are:

  • Aneurysms

  • Cardiac Catherterization, Angiography & Stenting

  • Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Center

  • Coronary Bypass Surgery

  • Coronary Heart Disease

  • Coumadin & Anticoagulation Clinic

  • Diabetes

  • Dizziness, Palpitations, & Heart Rhythmn

  • Heart Valve Problems

  • High Cholesterol & Triglycerides

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Nuclear Cardiac Scanning

  • Nutrition Programs

  • Pacemakers

  • Peripheral Arterial Disease

  • Preventive Health Programs

  • Stroke Prevention

  • Swelling (Edema) of the Legs & Ankles

  • Treatment & Prevention of Obesity

  • Ultrasound Testing & Echocardiography

  • Vein Care

  • Womens Health