Heart Palpitations in Young Adults: Causes, and Triggers

Heart palpitations in young adults

Many young people experience significant anxiety when they feel heart palpitations. However, the vast majority of palpitations in young adults are not related to heart disease and are often caused by benign factors. This does not mean, however, that every palpitation should be considered completely harmless.

In young adults, palpitations are usually related not to the heart itself but to the sensitivity of systems that influence how the heart functions. Daily life, stress levels, sleep patterns, substances used, and the body’s natural responses all play an important role in the perception of palpitations.

What do heart palpitations mean?

Heart palpitations refer to the sensation of being aware of heartbeats in an unusual way. They may be perceived as a rapid heartbeat, an irregular rhythm, skipped beats, or strong pounding in the chest. The key point is this: palpitations do not always mean that the heart is beating fast. Sometimes even a normal heartbeat can feel prominent and be perceived as palpitations.

In young people, this awareness is often heightened. Palpitations may become more noticeable in quiet environments, while lying down, or when attention is focused on the heartbeat.

Premature beats

One of the most common causes of palpitations in young adults is premature heartbeats (extrasystoles). These early beats interrupt the normal rhythm and can create the sensation that “the heart stopped and then beat strongly.” Medically, this represents a brief and temporary irregularity in the heart’s electrical system.

Premature beats are seen in many healthy individuals. They are more frequently noticed during periods of stress, after sleep deprivation, or following caffeine or energy drink consumption. In structurally normal hearts, they are usually harmless.

Autonomic nervous system

A significant portion of palpitations in young adults is related to the autonomic nervous system. This system regulates vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing without conscious control. In younger individuals, the balance of this system is more variable.

Stress, excitement, sudden fear, exam periods, or emotional strain can disrupt this balance, making normal heart activity more noticeable. This response is usually temporary and reflects the body’s natural reaction.

Stress, anxiety, and panic

Anxiety and panic responses are among the most common triggers of palpitations in young adults. During anxiety, the body releases adrenaline as if facing danger. Adrenaline increases heart rate, strengthens heart contractions, and leads to the sensation of palpitations.

These palpitations may be accompanied by shortness of breath, chest tightness, or dizziness. Although frightening, they are most often related to the stress response rather than heart disease.

Caffeine, energy drinks, and nicotine

Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and even excessive chocolate consumption can stimulate the heart. Young adults may be more sensitive to these substances. Palpitations are more noticeable when they are consumed on an empty stomach or in large amounts.

Similarly, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and nicotine-containing products can affect heart rhythm and trigger palpitations.

Sleep deprivation and fatigue

Lack of sleep, irregular sleep schedules, and excessive fatigue can temporarily disrupt the heart’s electrical balance. Young adults who stay awake at night or fail to rest adequately may experience palpitations more frequently during the day.

Palpitations after exercise

Feeling heartbeats after intense exercise is common. During exercise, an increased heart rate is normal. As the heart slows down after activity, this transition phase may be perceived as palpitations. In young individuals with a healthy heart structure, this is usually benign.

Thyroid disorders

Yes. Elevated thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism) are an important and often overlooked cause of palpitations in young adults. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolic rate, and when elevated, they cause the heart to beat faster and more forcefully.

Palpitations related to thyroid disease may be accompanied by weight loss, increased sweating, heat intolerance, tremor, and restlessness. These palpitations are usually persistent and do not resolve on their own. Diagnosis can be made with a simple blood test, and appropriate treatment often leads to complete resolution.

Anemia

Anemia is a common cause of palpitations, especially in young women. When hemoglobin levels decrease, the heart increases its rate to deliver sufficient oxygen to tissues. This can cause palpitations, easy fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Anemia-related palpitations typically worsen with exertion and improve with rest. Once the underlying cause, most commonly iron deficiency, is treated, heart rhythm usually returns to normal. Therefore, anemia should always be evaluated in young individuals with unexplained palpitations.

Medications and supplements

Certain medications and supplements can trigger palpitations. Some cold medications, nasal sprays, asthma drugs, weight-loss products, and herbal supplements may increase heart rate.

These palpitations often appear shortly after starting the medication and resolve once it is discontinued. For this reason, young individuals experiencing palpitations should inform their physician about all medications and supplements they are using.

Can palpitations be heart-related in young adults?

Although uncommon, structural heart conditions, specific arrhythmias, or congenital abnormalities of the heart’s electrical conduction system can cause palpitations in young adults. These palpitations may begin suddenly and feel more intense. Palpitations that start without a clear trigger increase the likelihood of a cardiac cause.

Such episodes may be accompanied by dizziness, visual dimming, or a near-fainting sensation. The onset, duration, and associated symptoms are critical for distinguishing cardiac arrhythmias from benign causes.

When should palpitations be taken seriously?

Although palpitations in young adults are usually benign, evaluation is necessary in certain situations. Palpitations accompanied by fainting, near-fainting, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain should be assessed promptly.

In addition, palpitations should always be investigated if there is a family history of sudden cardiac death at a young age.