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Palpitations and exercise

• Heart Matters magazine
• Understanding health
• Ask the experts

Understand health Should palpitations stop me exercising?

I’m getting palpitations and it’s putting me off exercise. What should I do?

by Emily McGrath, Cardiac Nurse Page updated: 18 June 2025

by Emily McGrath, Cardiac Nurse Page updated: 18 June 2025

Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath says:

Palpitations are when you 'feel' your heartbeat, or feel like your heart is fluttering or skipping a beat. They can be alarming, but are usually harmless. They can be caused by all kinds of things including medication, hormone changes, caffeine, lack of sleep, dehydration or stress.

As long as you increase your activity level gradually, you should be able to get used to more intense exercise

If the palpitations pass quickly and occur only occasionally, you probably don’t need to see your GP. But if the palpitations are bothering you, get worse or you have a history of heart problems, it’s a good idea to contact your GP. Likewise, if they’re putting you off exercise, then get them checked out.

If you’ve seen your doctor and you don’t need further investigation or treatment, then it’s a good idea to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. If exercise is fairly new to you, start with five or 10 minutes of walking and gradually increase your time and distance. As long as you increase your activity level gradually, you should be able to get used to more intense exercise.

Be cautious and speak to your doctor about any new symptoms so that you can be monitored if needed.

• Learn more about palpitations.
• Read about finding a safe level of exercise when you live with a heart condition.

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Meet the expert

Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath has worked in general and cardiology nursing with a background in cardiac rehab.

Related Links

• Palpitations
• Why do I get heart palpitations at night?
• 10 minute workout
• Sign up to Heart Matters

To find out more, or to support British Heart Foundation’s work, please visit www.bhf.org.uk. You can speak to one of our cardiac nurses by calling our helpline on 0808 802 1234 (freephone), Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. For general customer service enquiries, please call 0300 330 3322, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. British Heart Foundation is a registered Charity No. 225971. Registered as a Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No. 699547. Registered office at Greater London House, 180 Hampstead Road, London NW1 7AW. Registered as a Charity in Scotland No. SC039426