Cardiology Answered

I have palpitations and I keep checking my heart rate all day. Could this be anxiety or a heart problem?

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Zahid Ali
Zahid Ali Asked on Apr 09, 2026
Male

Sometimes my heart suddenly starts beating fast when I am sitting quietly or trying to sleep. I checked my pulse and it is usually not very high, but the sensation makes me panic. It lasts a few seconds or maybe a minute. I do drink a lot of tea and coffee. Should I be worried about arrhythmia or is anxiety more likely?

Doctor Responses 1

Dr. Usman Ahmad
Dr. Usman Ahmad
Cardiology 3 yrs exp.
View Doctor Profile
Apr 09, 2026

Palpitations can happen from anxiety, caffeine, dehydration, sleep deprivation, or sometimes a rhythm issue. Because the episodes are brief and you drink a lot of caffeine, the first step is to reduce stimulants and track when the episodes happen. If the palpitations become frequent, last longer, or come with fainting, chest pain, or breathlessness, you should get an ECG and a proper cardiology review.