What Causes Heart Palpitations? When Are They Dangerous?

Last Updated:June 2026 Heart palpitations are one of the most common complaints I encounter among patients living in Ataşehir, Kadıköy, Acıbadem, and the surrounding areas of Istanbul, where I have practiced. I frequently hear the question "My heart is racing, is this normal?" from patients presenting to cardiology in the Ataşehir and Kadıköy areas, where a busy traffic and work life are closely intertwined. Heart palpitations can sometimes be harmless, but in some cases they are a warning sign of serious rhythm disorders.

Most Common Causes of Palpitations

Stress and anxiety
Increased cardiac workload due to poor fitness and excess weight
Excessive caffeine consumption
Inadequate fluid intake and a tendency toward low blood pressure
Anemia
Overactive thyroid or adrenal gland conditions
Excessive thyroid hormone medication dosage
Infection and fever

Potentially Dangerous Palpitation Symptoms

However, attention should be paid in the following situations:

Fainting or a feeling of about to faint
Occurring together with chest pain
Accompanying shortness of breath
Sudden onset and sudden termination

If these symptoms are present, an underlying rhythm disorder may be responsible. The term "rhythm disorder" is not, by itself, an indicator of severity or insignificance — it is a broad category that includes many different types. Some of these are entirely harmless, while others can be quite serious or even life-threatening. When we identify a rhythm disorder, we investigate its type and severity, along with details relating to the structure of the heart and the patient's personal or family medical history. For this purpose, we may need tools such as a rhythm Holter, a rhythm-recording smartwatch, ECHO, an exercise stress test, cardiac MRI, or — depending on the case — an electrophysiological study that reveals the electrical properties of the heart. Even though Kadıköy, Ataşehir, and Maltepe, where I have practiced for many years, are well-developed areas, I still see many patients neglect their palpitations for a long time. Yet a simple rhythm Holter alone can often provide a diagnosis. In patients presenting to a cardiologist in Kadıköy in particular, I often come across long-standing palpitation complaints that have been neglected due to a busy lifestyle and work schedule. You can read our related article on what causes palpitations and when they should be taken seriously.

What Tests Are Performed?

ECG (electrocardiogram)
Holter (24–72 hour rhythm monitoring) or other event/rhythm recording devices
ECHO (cardiac ultrasound – Doppler)

For detailed information, you can visit the related pages about Holter tests and palpitations and rhythm disorder assessments.

Clinical evaluation approach

In our Kozyatağı clinic we do not treat imaging reports or laboratory numbers in isolation. History, symptom pattern, risk factors, medication response, and prior tests are reviewed together so that the next step is proportionate to the patient’s real cardiovascular risk.

For patients from Kadıköy, Ataşehir, Maltepe, and Acıbadem, this means selecting echocardiography, Holter monitoring, CT angiography, or invasive angiography only when the clinical question requires it. Preventive cardiology, lifestyle counseling, and medication optimization remain central even when no procedure is needed.

If symptoms change, if risk factors remain uncontrolled, or if previous findings were borderline, a structured follow-up plan is arranged. The goal is earlier recognition of high-risk features and fewer unnecessary interventions.

To discuss findings from What Causes Heart Palpitations? When Are They Dangerous? or to plan a personalized cardiology evaluation, you can request an appointment at our Kozyatağı clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a cardiologist?

Chest pain, unexplained shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting, uncontrolled blood pressure, or a strong family history of heart disease warrant cardiology review.

Is imaging always required at the first visit?

Not always. Testing is selected after history and examination; unnecessary imaging is avoided when clinical assessment is sufficient.

How often should heart check-ups be repeated?

Interval depends on risk profile, symptoms, and prior findings. Higher-risk patients usually need closer follow-up than low-risk individuals.

References

ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines — European Society of Cardiology
2023 AHA/ACC Chronic Coronary Disease Guideline
2024 ESC Chronic Coronary Syndromes Guidelines
SCOT-HEART Trial — NEJM
American College of Cardiology Guidelines Library

Conclusion

Palpitations should not be taken lightly. On the Anatolian side of Istanbul — particularly Kadıköy, Ataşehir, and Acıbadem — cardiology resources are abundant, and rapid cardiology assessment is of vital importance. Early assessment plays a critical role in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of rhythm disorders. You can visit the related page to book a cardiology examination and check-up appointment.

About This Content

This article was prepared by Cardiology Specialist Dr. Sinan Coşkun Turan, based on current cardiology guidelines and clinical experience. Heart palpitations, rhythm disorders, Holter monitoring, and cardiology assessments are planned in accordance with medical requirements. This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a physician's examination. Last Updated:June 2026