Heart flutters when I lie down

You get into bed, and your heart starts to flutter. It may feel like a skip, a thud, or a quick flurry. The room is quiet now, so every beat stands out.

Lying down changes how blood moves back to your heart. Your chest also rests against the bed, so beats feel louder. Small skips you miss all day can seem big at night.

Common triggers are caffeine late in the day, alcohol, stress, and short sleep. Big meals, some cold and asthma drugs, and low iron can play a part. Thyroid changes, fever, and shifts around your period or menopause can too.

When to see someone

Call 911 or your local emergency number if the flutter comes with chest pain, fainting, or hard breathing. See a doctor soon if it lasts minutes, races fast, or wakes you up. Get checked for dizzy spells, swollen legs, or a family history of heart disease.

Below is a list of folk and home remedies people have long used for heart flutters. Each one has a grade that shows how strong the proof is. A higher grade means more study support, not a promise, so ask your doctor first.

Heart Palpitations: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

8 options · 2 graded C · 6 traditional or ungraded

When do your palpitations tend to show up?

After heavy sweating, dehydration, or when my diet may be short on minerals

  1. Magnesium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Mineral that supports calm and heart rhythm

    Why this matches
    If stress, anxiety, and poor sleep set off your palpitations, magnesium is worth knowing about: it helps relax muscles and nerves and is involved in maintaining a steady heart rhythm, and low levels are linked with anxiety and restlessness.
    Why try it
    Magnesium is essential for normal nerve and muscle function and for keeping the heartbeat regular, and a shortfall is a common, correctable contributor to palpitations, anxiety, and disturbed sleep. It is offered as general nutritional support rather than a proven cure for palpitations.
    Dose or use
    Favor magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes; if you supplement, do so at a modest dose and ideally with a practitioner's guidance.
    Time to results
    Sleep and tension may ease over a few weeks of consistent intake
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial gave oral magnesium plus potassium aspartate to 232 people with frequent premature ventricular beats and found a modest reduction in ectopic beats (about 17%), but no measurable improvement in patients' actual symptoms. Because magnesium was given together with potassium (so its effect can't be isolated) and the result was measured as beat counts rather than how people felt, this is weak, indirect evidence. Correcting a genuine shortfall is sensible, but magnesium is offered as nutritional support, not a proven treatment for palpitations, and does not replace medical evaluation.
    Caution
    Higher supplement doses can loosen stools or cause stomach upset. People with kidney problems should only take magnesium supplements under medical supervision.
  2. Potassium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Core electrolyte for a steady heartbeat

    Why this matches
    Because your palpitations seem linked to sweating, hydration, or a mineral-light diet, potassium is a natural fit: it is one of the main electrolytes the heart relies on to beat regularly.
    Why try it
    Potassium is a key mineral for heart and muscle function and normal rhythm, and its library entry lists heart arrhythmias among what it helps with. Getting enough through diet supports steadier beats, especially when you have been losing fluids.
    Dose or use
    Aim for potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach, and yogurt daily; only take potassium supplements if a clinician advises it.
    Time to results
    Best treated as ongoing daily nutrition rather than a quick fix
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): in the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial, oral potassium combined with magnesium modestly lowered the number of premature ventricular beats (about 17%) in 232 people with frequent ectopy, though patients' symptoms did not measurably change. Because the two minerals were taken together and the endpoint was beat counts rather than symptoms, this is weak, indirect evidence. Adequate dietary potassium is sound support for a normal rhythm, but supplements should be used only under medical guidance and do not replace evaluation of palpitations.
    Caution
    Potassium supplements can be harmful in excess, especially with kidney issues or certain blood-pressure medicines. Get supplement use cleared by your provider; food sources are generally safe. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.
  3. Magnesium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low magnesium can disturb heart rhythm

    Why this matches
    When palpitations track with sweating, dehydration, or a mineral-poor diet, low magnesium is one of the first things worth considering, since it is a common and checkable cause of a fluttering or skipping heartbeat.
    Why try it
    Magnesium supports over 300 processes in the body, including nerve signaling and a steady heart rhythm. A genuine shortfall can show up as muscle cramps, anxiety, poor sleep, and, when more severe, abnormal heart rhythms, so recognizing and correcting it can matter.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, fatigue, restlessness) and build in magnesium-rich foods like greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains; ask your provider about testing if you suspect a shortfall.
    Time to results
    Cramps and restlessness often ease within a few weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Magnesium deficiency is a well-recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, anxiety, and abnormal heart rhythms; identifying and correcting a real deficiency is worthwhile, but it does not replace evaluation of ongoing palpitations.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Persistent or severe palpitations need a medical work-up, and blood tests may miss low tissue magnesium.
  4. Potassium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low potassium can cause irregular heartbeats

    Why this matches
    If your palpitations follow heavy sweating, dehydration, or a low-mineral diet, potassium is a key electrolyte to consider, because low levels directly disturb the heart's electrical signals.
    Why try it
    Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, and it is essential for a normal heartbeat. When it runs low, it can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms, so keeping it in range supports steadier beats.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, weakness, fatigue) and include potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, and leafy greens; ask your provider before using potassium supplements.
    Time to results
    Cramps and weakness often improve within days to weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Potassium deficiency is a recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms; it is best identified and corrected with a clinician rather than through self-supplementation.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Do not self-supplement potassium, which can be dangerous in excess; irregular heartbeats need medical evaluation, and potassium should be checked and corrected by a clinician.
  5. Taurine

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Amino acid that supports heart health

    Why this matches
    If your palpitations feel diet- or electrolyte-related, taurine is worth knowing about: it is an amino acid involved in heart function and in steadying the nervous system's signaling.
    Why try it
    Taurine helps regulate calming neurotransmitters and supports cardiovascular health, including blood pressure. It is offered as general nutritional support that fits the heart and nervous-system side of palpitations, not as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Found naturally in fish, shellfish, and meat; if supplementing, use a modest dose and ideally check with a practitioner first.
    Time to results
    Any benefit builds gradually over weeks of consistent use
    Key study
    Taurine is associated with cardiovascular and nervous-system support in the library entry; its specific benefit for palpitations has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials, so it is offered as general nutritional support.
    Caution
    Generally well tolerated, but evidence for palpitations specifically is limited. Do not rely on it in place of evaluation for a persistent or severe irregular heartbeat.

They come out of nowhere — even at rest, with no obvious trigger

  1. Potassium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Core electrolyte for a steady heartbeat

    Why this matches
    Because your palpitations seem linked to sweating, hydration, or a mineral-light diet, potassium is a natural fit: it is one of the main electrolytes the heart relies on to beat regularly.
    Why try it
    Potassium is a key mineral for heart and muscle function and normal rhythm, and its library entry lists heart arrhythmias among what it helps with. Getting enough through diet supports steadier beats, especially when you have been losing fluids.
    Dose or use
    Aim for potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach, and yogurt daily; only take potassium supplements if a clinician advises it.
    Time to results
    Best treated as ongoing daily nutrition rather than a quick fix
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): in the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial, oral potassium combined with magnesium modestly lowered the number of premature ventricular beats (about 17%) in 232 people with frequent ectopy, though patients' symptoms did not measurably change. Because the two minerals were taken together and the endpoint was beat counts rather than symptoms, this is weak, indirect evidence. Adequate dietary potassium is sound support for a normal rhythm, but supplements should be used only under medical guidance and do not replace evaluation of palpitations.
    Caution
    Potassium supplements can be harmful in excess, especially with kidney issues or certain blood-pressure medicines. Get supplement use cleared by your provider; food sources are generally safe. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.
  2. Magnesium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low magnesium can disturb heart rhythm

    Why this matches
    When palpitations track with sweating, dehydration, or a mineral-poor diet, low magnesium is one of the first things worth considering, since it is a common and checkable cause of a fluttering or skipping heartbeat.
    Why try it
    Magnesium supports over 300 processes in the body, including nerve signaling and a steady heart rhythm. A genuine shortfall can show up as muscle cramps, anxiety, poor sleep, and, when more severe, abnormal heart rhythms, so recognizing and correcting it can matter.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, fatigue, restlessness) and build in magnesium-rich foods like greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains; ask your provider about testing if you suspect a shortfall.
    Time to results
    Cramps and restlessness often ease within a few weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Magnesium deficiency is a well-recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, anxiety, and abnormal heart rhythms; identifying and correcting a real deficiency is worthwhile, but it does not replace evaluation of ongoing palpitations.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Persistent or severe palpitations need a medical work-up, and blood tests may miss low tissue magnesium.
  3. Potassium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low potassium can cause irregular heartbeats

    Why this matches
    If your palpitations follow heavy sweating, dehydration, or a low-mineral diet, potassium is a key electrolyte to consider, because low levels directly disturb the heart's electrical signals.
    Why try it
    Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, and it is essential for a normal heartbeat. When it runs low, it can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms, so keeping it in range supports steadier beats.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, weakness, fatigue) and include potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, and leafy greens; ask your provider before using potassium supplements.
    Time to results
    Cramps and weakness often improve within days to weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Potassium deficiency is a recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms; it is best identified and corrected with a clinician rather than through self-supplementation.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Do not self-supplement potassium, which can be dangerous in excess; irregular heartbeats need medical evaluation, and potassium should be checked and corrected by a clinician.
  4. Acupuncture

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Traditional calming therapy for stress

    Why this matches
    If your palpitations flare with stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, acupuncture is used traditionally as a calming, relaxing therapy that some people find settles the tension and sleep problems that can set off a fluttering heart.
    Why try it
    Acupuncture is offered here on a traditional basis for relaxation and stress relief, not as a proven treatment for heart rhythm. The one clinical trial often cited was done in post-surgical patients, so its relevance to everyday palpitations is indirect and unproven. Think of it as a way to unwind, not to correct an arrhythmia.
    Dose or use
    Typically a course of weekly sessions with a licensed acupuncturist; discuss your goals at the first visit.
    Time to results
    Any calming benefit is usually gauged over several weeks of regular sessions
    Key study
    Traditionally used as a calming therapy for stress and sleep; its use for benign palpitations has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials, and the one available trial was in a post-surgical population rather than ordinary palpitations.
    Caution
    Always use a qualified, licensed acupuncturist. Palpitations that are frequent, severe, or come with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness need prompt medical evaluation, not acupuncture. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.

They flare when I'm stressed, anxious, or sleeping badly

  1. Magnesium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Mineral that supports calm and heart rhythm

    Why this matches
    If stress, anxiety, and poor sleep set off your palpitations, magnesium is worth knowing about: it helps relax muscles and nerves and is involved in maintaining a steady heart rhythm, and low levels are linked with anxiety and restlessness.
    Why try it
    Magnesium is essential for normal nerve and muscle function and for keeping the heartbeat regular, and a shortfall is a common, correctable contributor to palpitations, anxiety, and disturbed sleep. It is offered as general nutritional support rather than a proven cure for palpitations.
    Dose or use
    Favor magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes; if you supplement, do so at a modest dose and ideally with a practitioner's guidance.
    Time to results
    Sleep and tension may ease over a few weeks of consistent intake
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial gave oral magnesium plus potassium aspartate to 232 people with frequent premature ventricular beats and found a modest reduction in ectopic beats (about 17%), but no measurable improvement in patients' actual symptoms. Because magnesium was given together with potassium (so its effect can't be isolated) and the result was measured as beat counts rather than how people felt, this is weak, indirect evidence. Correcting a genuine shortfall is sensible, but magnesium is offered as nutritional support, not a proven treatment for palpitations, and does not replace medical evaluation.
    Caution
    Higher supplement doses can loosen stools or cause stomach upset. People with kidney problems should only take magnesium supplements under medical supervision.
  2. PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic acupressure point for palpitations

    Why this matches
    When your heart flutters with stress or anxiety, PC6 on the inner forearm is the traditional point people press to calm the nervous system and ease that fluttery, tight feeling in the chest.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, PC6 (Neiguan) sits on the Pericardium meridian and is a first-choice point for palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety. It is self-applied, free, and offered on that traditional basis rather than as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Find the spot about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons on the inner forearm. Press firmly with your thumb in slow circles for 1-2 minutes on each arm, breathing slowly.
    Time to results
    Often used in the moment; many feel calmer within a few minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used in acupressure for palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    This is for calming, not for a racing heart with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness, which need urgent medical care. Do not press on broken or irritated skin.
  3. HT7 (Shenmen) - Heart 7

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Calming heart-meridian point for sleep

    Why this matches
    Because your palpitations seem tied to stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, HT7 is a good fit: it is the 'Spirit Gate' point traditionally used to quiet an overactive mind and settle a stress-driven heartbeat before bed.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, HT7 (Shenmen) is used to calm the mind, ease anxiety, and support restful sleep, and its library entry specifically mentions palpitations related to anxiety or stress. It is self-applied and offered on that traditional basis, not as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Find the point on the wrist crease, on the pinky side of the inner forearm, in the small hollow. Press gently but firmly in slow circles for 1-2 minutes per wrist, especially when winding down.
    Time to results
    Used as needed for calm; often felt within minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used in acupressure to calm anxiety, aid sleep, and ease stress-related palpitations; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    For relaxation only. Palpitations with chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath need prompt medical evaluation. Avoid pressing on broken skin.
  4. Acupuncture

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Traditional calming therapy for stress

    Why this matches
    If your palpitations flare with stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, acupuncture is used traditionally as a calming, relaxing therapy that some people find settles the tension and sleep problems that can set off a fluttering heart.
    Why try it
    Acupuncture is offered here on a traditional basis for relaxation and stress relief, not as a proven treatment for heart rhythm. The one clinical trial often cited was done in post-surgical patients, so its relevance to everyday palpitations is indirect and unproven. Think of it as a way to unwind, not to correct an arrhythmia.
    Dose or use
    Typically a course of weekly sessions with a licensed acupuncturist; discuss your goals at the first visit.
    Time to results
    Any calming benefit is usually gauged over several weeks of regular sessions
    Key study
    Traditionally used as a calming therapy for stress and sleep; its use for benign palpitations has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials, and the one available trial was in a post-surgical population rather than ordinary palpitations.
    Caution
    Always use a qualified, licensed acupuncturist. Palpitations that are frequent, severe, or come with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness need prompt medical evaluation, not acupuncture. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.

What kind of help would you rather start with?

Food and nutrients — getting heart-steadying minerals into my daily routine

  1. Magnesium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Mineral that supports calm and heart rhythm

    Why this matches
    If stress, anxiety, and poor sleep set off your palpitations, magnesium is worth knowing about: it helps relax muscles and nerves and is involved in maintaining a steady heart rhythm, and low levels are linked with anxiety and restlessness.
    Why try it
    Magnesium is essential for normal nerve and muscle function and for keeping the heartbeat regular, and a shortfall is a common, correctable contributor to palpitations, anxiety, and disturbed sleep. It is offered as general nutritional support rather than a proven cure for palpitations.
    Dose or use
    Favor magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes; if you supplement, do so at a modest dose and ideally with a practitioner's guidance.
    Time to results
    Sleep and tension may ease over a few weeks of consistent intake
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial gave oral magnesium plus potassium aspartate to 232 people with frequent premature ventricular beats and found a modest reduction in ectopic beats (about 17%), but no measurable improvement in patients' actual symptoms. Because magnesium was given together with potassium (so its effect can't be isolated) and the result was measured as beat counts rather than how people felt, this is weak, indirect evidence. Correcting a genuine shortfall is sensible, but magnesium is offered as nutritional support, not a proven treatment for palpitations, and does not replace medical evaluation.
    Caution
    Higher supplement doses can loosen stools or cause stomach upset. People with kidney problems should only take magnesium supplements under medical supervision.
  2. Potassium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Core electrolyte for a steady heartbeat

    Why this matches
    Because your palpitations seem linked to sweating, hydration, or a mineral-light diet, potassium is a natural fit: it is one of the main electrolytes the heart relies on to beat regularly.
    Why try it
    Potassium is a key mineral for heart and muscle function and normal rhythm, and its library entry lists heart arrhythmias among what it helps with. Getting enough through diet supports steadier beats, especially when you have been losing fluids.
    Dose or use
    Aim for potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach, and yogurt daily; only take potassium supplements if a clinician advises it.
    Time to results
    Best treated as ongoing daily nutrition rather than a quick fix
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): in the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial, oral potassium combined with magnesium modestly lowered the number of premature ventricular beats (about 17%) in 232 people with frequent ectopy, though patients' symptoms did not measurably change. Because the two minerals were taken together and the endpoint was beat counts rather than symptoms, this is weak, indirect evidence. Adequate dietary potassium is sound support for a normal rhythm, but supplements should be used only under medical guidance and do not replace evaluation of palpitations.
    Caution
    Potassium supplements can be harmful in excess, especially with kidney issues or certain blood-pressure medicines. Get supplement use cleared by your provider; food sources are generally safe. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.
  3. Taurine

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Amino acid that supports heart health

    Why this matches
    If your palpitations feel diet- or electrolyte-related, taurine is worth knowing about: it is an amino acid involved in heart function and in steadying the nervous system's signaling.
    Why try it
    Taurine helps regulate calming neurotransmitters and supports cardiovascular health, including blood pressure. It is offered as general nutritional support that fits the heart and nervous-system side of palpitations, not as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Found naturally in fish, shellfish, and meat; if supplementing, use a modest dose and ideally check with a practitioner first.
    Time to results
    Any benefit builds gradually over weeks of consistent use
    Key study
    Taurine is associated with cardiovascular and nervous-system support in the library entry; its specific benefit for palpitations has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials, so it is offered as general nutritional support.
    Caution
    Generally well tolerated, but evidence for palpitations specifically is limited. Do not rely on it in place of evaluation for a persistent or severe irregular heartbeat.

Hands-on calming — pressure points I can press myself, or a practitioner session

  1. PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic acupressure point for palpitations

    Why this matches
    When your heart flutters with stress or anxiety, PC6 on the inner forearm is the traditional point people press to calm the nervous system and ease that fluttery, tight feeling in the chest.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, PC6 (Neiguan) sits on the Pericardium meridian and is a first-choice point for palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety. It is self-applied, free, and offered on that traditional basis rather than as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Find the spot about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons on the inner forearm. Press firmly with your thumb in slow circles for 1-2 minutes on each arm, breathing slowly.
    Time to results
    Often used in the moment; many feel calmer within a few minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used in acupressure for palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    This is for calming, not for a racing heart with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness, which need urgent medical care. Do not press on broken or irritated skin.
  2. HT7 (Shenmen) - Heart 7

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Calming heart-meridian point for sleep

    Why this matches
    Because your palpitations seem tied to stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, HT7 is a good fit: it is the 'Spirit Gate' point traditionally used to quiet an overactive mind and settle a stress-driven heartbeat before bed.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, HT7 (Shenmen) is used to calm the mind, ease anxiety, and support restful sleep, and its library entry specifically mentions palpitations related to anxiety or stress. It is self-applied and offered on that traditional basis, not as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Find the point on the wrist crease, on the pinky side of the inner forearm, in the small hollow. Press gently but firmly in slow circles for 1-2 minutes per wrist, especially when winding down.
    Time to results
    Used as needed for calm; often felt within minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used in acupressure to calm anxiety, aid sleep, and ease stress-related palpitations; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    For relaxation only. Palpitations with chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath need prompt medical evaluation. Avoid pressing on broken skin.
  3. Acupuncture

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Traditional calming therapy for stress

    Why this matches
    If your palpitations flare with stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, acupuncture is used traditionally as a calming, relaxing therapy that some people find settles the tension and sleep problems that can set off a fluttering heart.
    Why try it
    Acupuncture is offered here on a traditional basis for relaxation and stress relief, not as a proven treatment for heart rhythm. The one clinical trial often cited was done in post-surgical patients, so its relevance to everyday palpitations is indirect and unproven. Think of it as a way to unwind, not to correct an arrhythmia.
    Dose or use
    Typically a course of weekly sessions with a licensed acupuncturist; discuss your goals at the first visit.
    Time to results
    Any calming benefit is usually gauged over several weeks of regular sessions
    Key study
    Traditionally used as a calming therapy for stress and sleep; its use for benign palpitations has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials, and the one available trial was in a post-surgical population rather than ordinary palpitations.
    Caution
    Always use a qualified, licensed acupuncturist. Palpitations that are frequent, severe, or come with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness need prompt medical evaluation, not acupuncture. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.

Understanding the root cause — checking whether a mineral shortfall could be behind it

  1. Magnesium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low magnesium can disturb heart rhythm

    Why this matches
    When palpitations track with sweating, dehydration, or a mineral-poor diet, low magnesium is one of the first things worth considering, since it is a common and checkable cause of a fluttering or skipping heartbeat.
    Why try it
    Magnesium supports over 300 processes in the body, including nerve signaling and a steady heart rhythm. A genuine shortfall can show up as muscle cramps, anxiety, poor sleep, and, when more severe, abnormal heart rhythms, so recognizing and correcting it can matter.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, fatigue, restlessness) and build in magnesium-rich foods like greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains; ask your provider about testing if you suspect a shortfall.
    Time to results
    Cramps and restlessness often ease within a few weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Magnesium deficiency is a well-recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, anxiety, and abnormal heart rhythms; identifying and correcting a real deficiency is worthwhile, but it does not replace evaluation of ongoing palpitations.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Persistent or severe palpitations need a medical work-up, and blood tests may miss low tissue magnesium.
  2. Potassium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low potassium can cause irregular heartbeats

    Why this matches
    If your palpitations follow heavy sweating, dehydration, or a low-mineral diet, potassium is a key electrolyte to consider, because low levels directly disturb the heart's electrical signals.
    Why try it
    Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, and it is essential for a normal heartbeat. When it runs low, it can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms, so keeping it in range supports steadier beats.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, weakness, fatigue) and include potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, and leafy greens; ask your provider before using potassium supplements.
    Time to results
    Cramps and weakness often improve within days to weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Potassium deficiency is a recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms; it is best identified and corrected with a clinician rather than through self-supplementation.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Do not self-supplement potassium, which can be dangerous in excess; irregular heartbeats need medical evaluation, and potassium should be checked and corrected by a clinician.

Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Heart Palpitations, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.

Other ways people describe this

Same underlying problem, different words.

These suggestions come from our full page on Heart Palpitations, where you can see every option and how it is graded. Evidence grades are explained in our methodology, and every phrasing we cover is listed under health topics.

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⭐️ Customer Reviews

(from verified users)

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coma

This app is so cool! I've always wanted there to be a hub for all NATURAL remedies and preventative options but l've always had to do loads of digging to find the info I wanted for different natural products. HealisticMD has all the info I need in one place. It gave me various natural supplemental options for a condition I looked up, including what each remedy does and how much is usually recommended to take. It also gave me exact products I could buy for the problem I had looked up. It makes my process SO MUCH easier when I need to find non-pharmaceutical solutions to my needs.

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Olivia J.

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Verified User

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5.0

coma

The tremendous value we have seen in this app and a lot of information and accessibility to the product that is natural and helped us finding a new ways to heal. I have came from a family filled with doctors. And we all prevented using pills as well all the pharmaceutical path and tried healing naturally The only thing we lacked of was information and research so when I saw this app, I definitely know it has a values we were looking for as well as my children enhance their immune system!!

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Audrey Mae.

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Verified User

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5.0

coma

There is a wealth of information on the app! I recently had bloodwork done and found I was deficient in a handful of vitamins and minerals (Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iron, etc.) HealisticMD made it simple for me to find out what foods to eat/ supplements I needed to improve these deficiencies. It gives you so many ideas on prevention, natural health tips, where to buy the vitamins, when to take them, why, etc. I love how easy the app is to use too. I am currently working on getting pregnant. I was pleasantly surprised to find compelling data along with supplement suggestions to aid in the process, some of which my fertility doctor wasn’t even aware of. Highly recommend downloading, after all health is one our greatest gifts!

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Rachel

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Verified User

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5.0