Health education · HeartSaint‑Hyacinthe
Palpitations: possible causes, assessment and tests in Saint-Hyacinthe
Feeling like your heart is racing, pounding, skipping a beat or becoming irregular? Palpitations are common, but what they mean depends on the context, how long they last and the symptoms that come with them.
At the Clinique IPS du Palais in Saint-Hyacinthe, our team can support you in assessing palpitations and determine whether tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or heart rhythm monitoring are appropriate.
Understanding
What is a palpitation?
A palpitation is an unusual awareness of one's own heartbeat. The person may feel as though their heart:
Is pounding hard
Is beating irregularly
Skips a beat or pauses
Produces extra beats
“Flutters” or “quivers” in the chest
Palpitations can be felt in the chest, but sometimes also in the neck. They may last only a few seconds or persist longer.
Normal or not?
Are palpitations always abnormal?
No.
A person may be more aware of their heartbeat in certain situations without necessarily having heart disease.
However, palpitations that are new, repeated or associated with other symptoms warrant an assessment.
The goal is to determine, among other things:
- under what circumstances they occur;
- how often they occur;
- how long they last;
- whether the rhythm seems fast or irregular;
- whether other symptoms are present;
- whether there are factors that may trigger them.
Possible causes
What can cause palpitations?
Several situations can be associated with the sensation of palpitations.1
Stress or anxiety
A period of stress, strong emotion or anxiety can increase heart rate and make heartbeats more noticeable.
Caffeine and stimulant drinks
Coffee, some energy drinks and other products containing caffeine can contribute to palpitations in some people.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can be associated with certain heart rhythm disorders in some people.
Smoking
Nicotine can affect heart rate and contribute to certain cardiovascular symptoms.
Medications and supplements
Certain medications, over-the-counter products or supplements can affect heart rate or rhythm.
During an assessment, it is therefore helpful to provide a complete list of your medications and the products you use.
Thyroid problems
Certain abnormalities of thyroid function can be associated with a faster heart rate or palpitations, among other things.
Heart rhythm disorders
Some palpitations can be associated with an arrhythmia, that is, an abnormality of the heart rhythm. The heart may then beat too fast, too slowly or irregularly.1
Atrial fibrillation is one of the arrhythmias that can cause palpitations.2
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia in which the heart rhythm becomes irregular. Some people have no symptoms.2 Others may experience:
- palpitations;
- fast or irregular heartbeats;
- fatigue;
- shortness of breath;
- chest discomfort;
- dizziness.
An ECG or rhythm monitoring can help detect this arrhythmia when it is present.2
How can you describe your palpitations?
During a consultation, several details can be helpful. Try to note:
- when they occur;
- how often;
- how long they last;
- whether they start and stop suddenly;
- whether they occur at rest or during exertion;
- whether they seem related to stress;
- whether they occur after coffee, alcohol or an energy drink;
- whether they are accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath.
This information can help choose the most appropriate tests.
What symptoms can accompany palpitations?
Depending on the cause, palpitations may sometimes be accompanied by:1
- shortness of breath;
- dizziness;
- weakness;
- fatigue;
- sweating;
- chest discomfort;
- light-headedness;
- loss of consciousness.
The presence of some of these symptoms can change how urgently the assessment is needed.
Assessment
How are palpitations assessed?
The assessment usually begins with a discussion of the symptoms, how often they occur, how long they last, the circumstances in which they occur, cardiovascular and family history, medications, caffeine, alcohol or nicotine use and other health problems.
Depending on the situation, additional tests may be suggested.
The professional may also:
- measure heart rate;
- check blood pressure;
- listen to the heart;
- look for certain signs that can guide the assessment.
Immediate rhythm test
The electrocardiogram (ECG)
The ECG records the electrical activity of the heart for a few seconds.1
An important limitation: if palpitations are not present at the time of the ECG, the test may be normal even if symptoms occur at other times. This is why longer rhythm monitoring can sometimes be useful.
- RateHeart rate.
- RhythmThe rhythm and certain conduction abnormalities.
- At the time of the testCertain arrhythmias present at the time of the test.
Extended monitoring
Why use a heart monitor for longer?
When palpitations are intermittent, an extended recording makes it possible to observe the heart rhythm over a longer period.
At the Clinique IPS du Palais, the CardioSTAT allows heart rhythm monitoring for different lengths of time. This can be useful when symptoms do not necessarily occur during an ECG lasting a few seconds.
The clinic offers monitoring for:
- 48 hours;
- 7 days;
- 14 days.
Choosing the test
ECG or CardioSTAT: what's the difference?
ECG
The ECG gives a picture of the heart rhythm at the precise moment the test is performed.
It is particularly useful if the abnormality is present at that moment.
CardioSTAT
The CardioSTAT allows extended monitoring. It may be more useful when palpitations:
- are intermittent;
- do not occur every day;
- appear unpredictably.
The choice of test depends on the clinical picture and how often symptoms occur.
Why measure blood pressure?
Blood pressure is one of the cardiovascular parameters that can be assessed during a consultation. Depending on the situation, a single measurement or longer blood pressure monitoring may be appropriate.
The clinic offers, among other things:
- automated blood pressure measurement;
- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
Can palpitations be related to exertion?
Yes.
Some people notice their palpitations mainly during or after physical activity. It is helpful to tell the professional:
- what type of exertion triggers them;
- after how long;
- whether they stop at rest;
- whether they are accompanied by shortness of breath, pain or dizziness.
Symptoms triggered by exertion may require an appropriate assessment.
Can palpitations be related to sleep?
Some people notice their heartbeat more when lying down or in a quiet environment.
In addition, certain problems such as sleep apnea can be associated with certain heart rhythm disorders.2 Depending on the context, sleep may therefore be among the factors assessed.
What can you do before the appointment?
When possible, note:
- the time of the episodes;
- how long they last;
- what you were doing when they started;
- your heart rate if you measured it;
- associated symptoms;
- your recent consumption of caffeine, alcohol or energy drinks.
If a watch or personal device recorded a heart rate or tracing, bring the available information to the appointment. However, this does not replace a medical examination.
Seeking care
When to seek care?
A consultation is particularly appropriate if the palpitations have any of the following features.
- they are new;
- they are becoming more frequent;
- they last longer than before;
- they occur regularly;
- they are accompanied by shortness of breath;
- they are accompanied by dizziness;
- they occur during exertion;
- they occur in a person with a history of cardiovascular disease.
When should you seek care quickly?
Prompt assessment is particularly important if the palpitations are accompanied by:
- significant weakness;
- unusual shortness of breath;
- marked dizziness;
- feeling seriously unwell;
- loss of consciousness.
When should you call 911?
In Quebec, a life-threatening situation or one requiring immediate intervention must be directed to emergency services.3
Call 911 or go to the emergency department if the palpitations are accompanied by, among other things, significant chest pain or discomfort, severe difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, significant distress or a rapidly worsening condition.
For a non-urgent situation when you are not sure which resource to consult, Info-Santé 811, option 1, lets you speak with a nurse.4
How can Clinique IPS du Palais support you?
Depending on your situation, our team can, among other things:
- assess your symptoms;
- review your risk factors;
- measure your heart rate and blood pressure;
- perform an ECG when relevant;
- arrange CardioSTAT monitoring when indicated;
- order certain additional tests;
- provide follow-up;
- refer you to another resource or a specialist when necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do palpitations mean I have a heart problem?
Not necessarily. Palpitations can be related to several factors. An assessment makes it possible to look for the cause.
Can stress cause palpitations?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can increase heart rate and make heartbeats more noticeable, among other things.
Can coffee cause palpitations?
Caffeine can contribute to palpitations in some people.
Why can my ECG be normal despite my palpitations?
An ECG records the heart rhythm for a short period. If the palpitations do not occur during the recording, they may not be visible.
What is the CardioSTAT used for?
It records the heart rhythm over a longer period to increase the chances of documenting an intermittent episode.
Can my smartwatch diagnose an arrhythmia?
A watch can provide some information about heart rate or rhythm, but it does not replace a clinical assessment or the appropriate medical tests.
Should I avoid coffee if I have palpitations?
Triggers vary from person to person. Note whether certain products seem associated with your episodes and discuss it during your assessment.
Are palpitations with dizziness significant?
Yes. Palpitations accompanied by dizziness should be assessed, especially if they are significant, new or recurrent.
Sources
- Fondation des maladies du cœur et de l’AVC du Canada (Cœur + AVC). Arythmie. Undated page, accessed October 6, 2026. coeuretavc.ca
- Fondation des maladies du cœur et de l’AVC du Canada (Cœur + AVC). Fibrillation auriculaire. Undated page, accessed October 6, 2026. coeuretavc.ca
- Gouvernement du Québec. Quand consulter à l’urgence. Updated July 16, 2026, accessed October 6, 2026. quebec.ca
- Gouvernement du Québec. Info-Santé 811. Updated December 7, 2022, accessed October 6, 2026. quebec.ca
This page provides general information and does not replace an assessment by a health professional.