15/07/2026
PALPITATIONS: Is It Always a Heart Problem?
This is one of the questions I receive quite often, and it's an important one.
The first thing to understand is that palpitations are sensations of your heart beating unusually—too fast, too hard, irregularly, or as though it is skipping beats. So, medically speaking, the heart is the only organ that truly "palpitates."
However, many people feel a rhythmic throbbing in other parts of the body and assume those organs are "palpitating." In reality, what they are often feeling is the pulse from nearby blood vessels.
Where else can you feel pulsations?
You may notice a throbbing sensation in:
The neck or throat – because large blood vessels pass through this area.
The upper abdomen (pit of the stomach) – usually from the abdominal aorta, the body's largest artery. This is often normal, especially in slim individuals or after exercise.
The temples or head – particularly during stress, fever, or high blood pressure.
The hands, wrists, legs, or feet – where arteries run close to the skin.
Feeling these pulsations occasionally is not always a sign of disease.
What commonly causes heart palpitations?
Many cases are harmless and may result from:
✅ Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
✅ Excess coffee, tea, energy drinks, or caffeine
✅ Lack of sleep
✅ Dehydration
✅ Fever or infections
✅ Smoking or alcohol
✅ Certain medications (such as asthma inhalers and some cold medicines)
✅ Vigorous exercise
Medical conditions that can cause palpitations
Sometimes palpitations may be due to an underlying medical condition, including:
• Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
• High blood pressure
• Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• Anaemia (low blood level)
• Low blood sugar
• Electrolyte imbalance (such as low potassium or magnesium)
• Heart valve disease or other heart conditions
Can chronic ulcers cause palpitations?
Yes—but usually indirectly, not because the ulcer itself makes the heart palpitate.
A chronic stomach ulcer may lead to palpitations in several ways:
Anaemia: If the ulcer bleeds slowly over time, the body loses blood. This can lead to anaemia, causing the heart to beat faster in an effort to supply enough oxygen to the body.
Pain and stress: Persistent ulcer pain can trigger the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline, making you more aware of your heartbeat.
Dehydration: Frequent vomiting or poor food intake due to ulcer symptoms can reduce body fluids, which may trigger palpitations.
Electrolyte imbalance: Repeated vomiting can lower potassium and other important minerals that help regulate the heart's rhythm.
If you have a history of chronic ulcer disease and are experiencing repeated palpitations, it is important to see a healthcare professional. The doctor may check your blood level (to rule out anaemia), assess your ulcer, and evaluate your heart if necessary.
When should you seek urgent medical attention?
Please go to the nearest hospital immediately if your palpitations are accompanied by:
Severe chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Persistent dizziness
A very fast heartbeat that does not settle
Severe abdominal or back pain with a strong pulsating sensation in the abdomen
Final Take-Home Message
Not every palpitation means you have heart disease. Many are harmless and can be related to stress, dehydration, caffeine, or treatable medical conditions. However, persistent, recurrent, or severe palpitations should never be ignored.
Early medical evaluation can help identify the cause and provide the right treatment before complications develop.
