Change in heartbeat

Many changes in heart rate or rhythm are minor and don't need medical treatment if you don't have other symptoms or a history of heart disease. To help you manage minor symptoms, you can cut back or stop using:

• Caffeine (such as coffee, tea, colas, and energy drinks). Some over-the-counter medicines (such as Excedrin) contain caffeine. Caffeine may increase your heart rate or cause palpitations.
• Alcohol and tobacco. They contain substances that can increase your heart rate or cause irregular rhythms.
• Certain medicines, such as decongestants.

It can be helpful to track your symptoms by keeping a diary. When you have a change in your heartbeat, write down what your symptoms feel like, how fast your heart is beating (how many beats per minute), and what you are doing when it happens.

Sometimes symptoms are caused by stress or by things like panic attacks. If you think this is the case, talk to your doctor.

If your symptoms come back again, it's important to see your doctor. And if your symptoms are getting worse, get medical care right away.