A flutter, thump or sudden racing heartbeat can be unsettling. Many palpitations are not caused by a serious heart problem, but some need investigation. If you are considering a cardiologist in London for heart palpitations, the key questions are how the episodes feel, how long they last, how often they happen and whether anything else occurs at the same time. A cardiology consultation can help assess recurring palpitations and determine whether further tests are needed.
This guide explains when to seek emergency help, when to arrange medical advice and what a cardiology assessment may involve. It is general information, not a diagnosis. If symptoms feel severe or you are worried that you may be having a medical emergency, seek urgent help rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Read more about choosing the right cardiology test to understand how investigations may help identify the cause of palpitations.
What are heart palpitations?
Palpitations are sensations that make you more aware of your heartbeat. People describe them as a flutter, a racing or pounding heart, a skipped beat, or a thud after a pause. They may last for a few seconds, come and go, or continue for longer. You can also learn what to expect from a private ECG and echocardiogram in London.
The sensation does not identify the cause by itself. Palpitations can be associated with extra or early beats, a fast heart rhythm or an irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. They may also occur with factors such as stress, poor sleep, fever, dehydration, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine or some medicines. Sometimes no clear cause is found. A clinician can help decide whether tests are needed. If you are considering a private assessment, our guide to choosing a private cardiologist in London may help.
When do palpitations need emergency help?
Call 999 if palpitations are happening with symptoms that could indicate an emergency, such as chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, fainting, collapse or feeling acutely unwell. Do not drive yourself to hospital. If symptoms have stopped but you have had a worrying episode, get prompt medical advice about what to do next.
If you are unsure whether the situation is an emergency, contact NHS 111 for urgent advice. Do not wait for a private or routine cardiology appointment when symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.
When should you arrange a cardiology assessment?
Consider speaking with your GP or arranging a cardiology assessment if palpitations are new, keep returning, are becoming more frequent, last longer than usual or interfere with normal activities. Assessment is also worth discussing if you have a known heart condition, have previously had an abnormal heart test, or have a family history of significant heart rhythm problems or sudden cardiac death at a young age.
Other symptoms can help determine how quickly you should be assessed. Recurrent dizziness, unusual breathlessness, reduced ability to exercise or near-fainting alongside palpitations should be reported promptly. The right timing depends on the full picture, so a clinician may recommend urgent review rather than a routine appointment.
A cardiologist can assess whether the heartbeat sensation suggests a rhythm problem and whether further tests are appropriate. Seeing a specialist does not automatically mean you will need a procedure: many people need reassurance, monitoring or treatment directed at an underlying cause instead.
An October 2026 check-in: look for changes in your routine
As autumn routines settle in, it can be useful to notice whether palpitations coincide with changes in sleep, work pressure, exercise, illness, hydration or caffeine and alcohol use. This is not a reason to dismiss symptoms as seasonal or stress-related. A pattern can simply give your clinician useful context, while persistent or concerning symptoms still deserve assessment.
Rather than trying to diagnose yourself from a trigger, record what happened and how you felt. A clear account can be particularly helpful if episodes are brief and have stopped by the time you are seen.
What happens at a cardiology appointment?
A consultation usually starts with your symptoms and medical history. The cardiologist may ask when the episodes began, how often they occur, how long they last, whether the rhythm feels fast or irregular, and what you were doing at the time. They may also ask about medicines and supplements, previous heart conditions and relevant family history.
Your blood pressure and pulse may be checked, and the clinician may examine you. An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity during the test. Because palpitations can be intermittent, a normal ECG taken between episodes may not capture the rhythm responsible for your symptoms. That does not necessarily settle the question; further monitoring may be considered.
Tests that may be considered
- Ambulatory ECG monitoring: a wearable recorder tracks the heart rhythm over a period of time. The type and duration depend on how often symptoms occur.
- Echocardiogram: an ultrasound scan that assesses the heart’s structure and function when clinically appropriate.
- Blood tests: these may be used to check for possible contributing factors, depending on your symptoms and history.
- Other investigations: a clinician may recommend additional tests if the history or initial results suggest they are needed.
Not everyone needs every test. The purpose is to match investigations to your symptoms and clinical findings, rather than to test without a clear reason.
How to prepare for an appointment
A short symptom record can make the consultation more useful. Note the date and time, how long the episode lasted, what the heartbeat felt like, what you were doing and whether you had symptoms such as dizziness, chest discomfort or breathlessness. If you used a smartwatch or other device to record a rhythm, bring the reading if available, but do not treat a consumer device result as a diagnosis.
Bring a list of medicines and supplements, details of relevant medical conditions and any previous ECG or heart test results you can access. It can also help to write down your questions, such as whether you need monitoring, what symptoms should prompt urgent help and whether exercise or a medicine needs to be reviewed.
Does a palpitation mean you need heart treatment?
No. Treatment depends on the cause, the rhythm recorded, your symptoms and your overall health. Some people may need advice about contributing factors or a change to a medicine after clinical review. Others may need medication or specialist treatment for a confirmed rhythm problem. A clinician may also recommend follow-up or monitoring without starting treatment.
Angioplasty and stenting are procedures used to treat certain narrowed coronary arteries; they are not routine treatments for palpitations. If tests suggest a separate coronary heart problem, the cardiologist can explain what that means and discuss suitable options. Dr Chabok provides cardiology consultations, diagnosis and treatment, including heart investigations and interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting.
Finding cardiology care in London
When choosing a cardiology service, check whether the clinician can assess your particular symptoms and explain what investigations may be appropriate. Ask how results and follow-up are handled, and what to do if symptoms worsen before your appointment. Dr Chabok’s website lists clinics in London and Harefield; check the current clinic information and appointment arrangements directly with the practice.
Most importantly, match the care to the urgency: emergency symptoms need emergency services, while recurring or unexplained palpitations can be discussed with a GP or cardiologist. A thoughtful assessment can help distinguish a harmless sensation from a rhythm problem that needs follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heart palpitations always a sign of heart disease?
No. Palpitations can have a range of causes, including temporary triggers, and do not always mean heart disease. Recurrent episodes or palpitations with other symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Should I see a cardiologist if my ECG is normal?
Possibly. A standard ECG records the heartbeat during the test, so it may not capture an intermittent episode. A clinician can decide whether longer rhythm monitoring or another investigation is appropriate.
When should I call 999 for palpitations?
Call 999 if palpitations occur with chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, fainting, collapse or feeling acutely unwell. Do not drive yourself to hospital.
What information should I bring to a palpitation appointment?
Bring a record of when episodes happen, how long they last and any accompanying symptoms. A medicine list, relevant medical history, previous test results and any available device recordings may also help.
Can stress or caffeine cause palpitations?
Stress and caffeine can be associated with palpitations, but they are not the only possible causes. Do not assume that a trigger explains recurring or concerning symptoms without discussing them with a clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heart palpitations always a sign of heart disease?
No. Palpitations can have a range of causes, including temporary triggers, and do not always mean heart disease. Recurrent episodes or palpitations with other symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Should I see a cardiologist if my ECG is normal?
Possibly. A standard ECG records the heartbeat during the test, so it may not capture an intermittent episode. A clinician can decide whether longer rhythm monitoring or another investigation is appropriate.
When should I call 999 for palpitations?
Call 999 if palpitations occur with chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, fainting, collapse or feeling acutely unwell. Do not drive yourself to hospital.
What information should I bring to a palpitation appointment?
Bring a record of when episodes happen, how long they last and any accompanying symptoms. A medicine list, relevant medical history, previous test results and any available device recordings may also help.
Can stress or caffeine cause palpitations?
Stress and caffeine can be associated with palpitations, but they are not the only possible causes. Do not assume that a trigger explains recurring or concerning symptoms without discussing them with a clinician.