Heart palpitations may last for only a few seconds and can occur when you’re moving around, sitting or lying down, or standing still. Lifestyle changes or home remedies can help you stop or reduce heart palpitations.

Do you ever feel like your heart is pounding or fluttering much faster than normal? Maybe it’s like your heart is skipping beats, or you feel your pulse in your neck and chest. You may be experiencing heart palpitations.

The good news is that not all cases of fast heartbeat mean you have a heart condition. Sometimes, heart palpitations are caused by things that make your heart work harder, like stress or illness.

Keep reading to learn 8 ways to manage heart palpitations at home, when you should see your doctor, and tips for a healthy heart.

Stress is a risk factor for heart problems, and it may trigger or worsen heart palpitations. That’s because stress and excitement can spike adrenaline.

Managing your stress through relaxation can help. Good options include:

Try sitting cross-legged and taking a slow breath through your nostrils and then through your mouth. Repeat until you feel calm.

The vagus nerve has many functions, including connecting your brain to your heart. Vagal maneuvers stimulate the vagus nerve and may help regulate fast heartbeat. You can stimulate the vagus nerve at home, but you should get a doctor’s approval first.

Here are a few ways you can stimulate the nerve:

  • Take a cold shower
  • Chant the word “om” or cough or gag.
  • Hold your breath or bear down like you’re having a bowel movement

You can also try the Valsalva maneuver, as there’s some evidence it may help with heart arrhythmia. This breathing technique stimulates the vagal nerve, and if your heart is beating too quickly, it can help restore a normal heart rate.

Dehydration can cause heart palpitations. That’s because your blood contains water, so when you become dehydrated, your blood can become thicker.

The thicker your blood, the harder your heart has to work to move it through your veins. This can increase your pulse rate and potentially lead to palpitations.

If you feel your pulse climb, reach for a glass of water. If you notice your urine is dark yellow, drink more fluids to prevent palpitations.

Electrolytes help move electrical signals throughout your body. Electrical signals are important for the proper functioning of your heart, and not having enough of them can cause problems. Some electrolytes that can benefit your heart health include:

Most of these electrolytes are best obtained from foods. For example, you can eat more dark leafy greens and dairy products to increase calcium intake. Dark leafy greens, nuts, and fish are also great sources of magnesium.

Supplements may also help maintain your electrolyte balance, but talk with a doctor before taking new supplements.

There are many substances that may make you more likely to have a fast heartbeat. Eliminating these things from your daily routine may lessen or even stop your symptoms. They include:

  • caffeinated beverages and foods
  • tobacco products or cannabis
  • heavy or excessive alcoholic beverages
  • certain cold and cough medications
  • appetite suppressants
  • drugs used to treat mental health conditions
  • high blood pressure medications
  • illegal drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, or other amphetamines

Your own triggers will likely be unique to you. Try keeping a list of the things you consume that may cause your heart palpitations. If possible, avoid any items you think may be causing your symptoms and see if your symptoms stop.

Before stopping any prescription medications, talk with your doctor if you think prescription medications may be causing your symptoms.

Eating healthy is important for overall heart health, and there’s evidence that an unbalanced diet may be associated with an irregular heartbeat.

A nutritious, balanced diet consists of:

  • fresh fruits
  • vegetables
  • whole grains
  • lean proteins
  • healthy fats from nuts or fish

It’s important to limit certain food components in order to lower your chance of developing heart problems. These include:

Regular exercise is important for physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and it may help reduce issues with the rhythm of your heart.

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly.

Cardio doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, brisk walks have a host of health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved cardiovascular health.

Speak with your doctor if you notice your heart rate is faster than normal. Doctors cannot always pinpoint the cause of heart palpitations. They will need to rule out heart rhythm disorders like tachycardia and other medical conditions like hyperthyroidism.

That said, in many cases, heart palpitations don’t require treatment. It’s important, however, that you note when they occur so you can avoid possible triggers. Keeping a log can help you identify patterns and provide useful information for future appointments with your doctor.

If a cause is identified, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment. This may include medications, surgery, or the implantation of a device like a pacemaker.

There is typically little risk of complications with heart palpitations unless they’re caused by an underlying heart condition.

How do you calm heart palpitations fast?

There isn’t necessarily a quick fix for heart palpitations because it’s important to figure out where they’re coming from. If medication or something you’re consuming is causing them, stopping and finding other options can make a difference. With occasional palpitations without a serious cause, making lifestyle changes may be enough to manage them. You can, however, try the Valsalva maneuver when you’re experiencing them to see if you can get quicker relief.

How do you stop heart palpitations at night?

Heart palpitations can be caused by various factors, but your positioning during sleep may increase the likelihood of experiencing them at night. Treatment is usually not necessary unless there’s an underlying heart condition. Keeping track of episodes and sharing them with your doctor can help identify any issues requiring treatment.

How do you stop heart palpitations after eating?

Certain dietary choices can trigger heart palpitations after eating. These include high-carb, high-sodium, sugary, or spicy foods. Other factors include food allergies, low potassium, dehydration, low blood sugar, and alcohol consumption. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and may include lifestyle changes, medication, or devices like a defibrillator or pacemaker.

Episodes of rapid or irregular heartbeats, known as heart palpitations, can vary in duration and may happen while you are active, at rest, or stationary. Most cases aren’t considered serious unless you have underlying heart disease.

Your doctor needs to know what you’re experiencing, but your heart palpitations may not need special treatment beyond lifestyle changes. Avoiding triggers of heart palpitations may help reduce or eliminate your symptoms.