Heart Racing or Palpitations? Know When It’s an Emergency

When to Head to the ER for a Fast or Irregular Heartbeat

Your heart is pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats—and it’s not because of excitement. If you’ve ever felt your heart racing unexpectedly, you know how unsettling it can be. The big question is: Should I go to the ER?

Heart palpitations are common and usually harmless. But sometimes, they signal something more serious—like an arrhythmia, dehydration, anxiety, or even a heart attack. If you’re searching for “palpitations ER” or “fast heartbeat emergency,” you’re not alone—and you’re right to take it seriously. At Montrose Emergency Room in Houston, we’re open 24/7 to assess, stabilize, and treat sudden cardiac symptoms with expert care and advanced diagnostics.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Heart Palpitations?

2. When a Fast Heartbeat Becomes a Medical Emergency

3. Common Causes of Rapid or Irregular Heartbeats

4. What to Expect in the ER for Heart Palpitations

5. Heart Palpitations in People With Pre-Existing Conditions

6. Final Thoughts: Take the Sign Seriously

7. Call to Action: We’re Open Now and Ready to Help

1. What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are feelings that your heart is beating abnormally. Some people describe it as pounding, fluttering, racing, or feeling like their heart is “skipping beats.” They can happen at rest or during activity and may last for just a few seconds—or several minutes.

In many cases, palpitations are caused by stress, caffeine, or dehydration, and they resolve on their own. But in others, they may point to a more serious cardiac condition that requires immediate evaluation.

2. When a Fast Heartbeat Becomes a Medical Emergency

So how do you know when a racing heart needs ER care?

Seek emergency treatment if your palpitations are accompanied by:

• Dizziness or fainting

• Chest pain or pressure

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating or nausea

• Rapid heartbeat over 120 beats per minute at rest

• History of heart disease or prior heart attack

If you’re typing “heart racing should I go to ER” into your phone, chances are your symptoms are significant enough to warrant expert evaluation. Better to be safe—and early—than risk waiting too long.

3. Common Causes of Rapid or Irregular Heartbeats

Palpitations can stem from a variety of causes. Some are benign, while others are potentially life-threatening. Common causes include:

• Anxiety or panic attacks

• Caffeine, nicotine, or energy drinks

• Fever, dehydration, or anemia

• Thyroid imbalances

• Electrolyte disturbances

• Arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

• Heart conditions, including heart attack or heart failure

Only a medical evaluation—ideally at an emergency room—can rule out serious conditions and provide peace of mind.

4. What to Expect in the ER for Heart Palpitations

At Montrose Emergency Room, we take cardiac symptoms seriously. Upon arrival, our team will act quickly to assess your heart function and stabilize your condition.

You can expect:

• A thorough cardiac evaluation, including EKG and heart monitoring

• Blood tests to check for cardiac enzymes, thyroid levels, and electrolyte imbalances

• IV fluids or medications to manage abnormal rhythms or stabilize blood pressure

• Immediate referral to cardiology specialists, if needed

Our facility is equipped with advanced technology and no wait times, so you get seen fast—especially when time is critical.

5. Heart Palpitations in People With Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have a history of:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Diabetes

• Atrial fibrillation or arrhythmia

• Previous heart surgery or stent placement

• Congenital heart defects

… then any episode of heart racing should be evaluated right away. These conditions increase your risk for serious complications like blood clots, stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Don’t wait to “see if it passes.” Even if symptoms resolve, the cause may still require treatment or monitoring.

6. Final Thoughts: Take the Sign Seriously

A racing heart can be your body’s early warning system. While not all palpitations mean danger, ignoring them could be costly. Whether it’s anxiety, dehydration, or something more serious like an arrhythmia or heart attack, getting prompt medical attention is always the smart move.

Remember:

• Trust your body.

• If your heart feels “off,” don’t ignore it.

• When in doubt, head to the ER.

7. Call to Action: We’re Open Now and Ready to Help

If you’re experiencing a fast or irregular heartbeat, Montrose Emergency Room is open 24/7, 365 days a year. We offer on-site labs, cardiac monitoring, and immediate care, with no long wait times

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms or medical concern or visit emergency room near me in Houston.