You are sitting quietly when your heart suddenly takes off.

Before you dismiss it as anxiety, notice what else is happening.

That racing, pounding, fluttering or skipping feeling is called a palpitation. Common triggers include stress, too little sleep, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, fever and some medicines. Palpitations are often harmless, but they can occasionally come from anaemia, thyroid problems or an abnormal heart rhythm.

While it is happening, sit down and note when it started. Check your pulse or smartwatch if one is available. Record how long the episode lasts and what you were doing beforehand. This information can help your doctor investigate the cause.

Arrange a medical check if the palpitations are new, keep returning, become more frequent or last longer than a few minutes.

If your racing heartbeat comes with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or severe dizziness, seek emergency help immediately.

Do not assume every racing heart is anxiety.

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