Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations are the feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart. Stress, exercise, medication or, rarely, a medical condition can trigger them.

Causes

Although heart palpitations can be worrisome, they're usually harmless. In rare cases, they can be a symptom of a more serious heart condition, such as an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), that might require treatment.

Symptoms

Heart palpitations can feel like your heart is:

• Skipping beats
• Fluttering rapidly
• Beating too fast
• Pounding
• Flip-flopping

You might feel heart palpitations in your throat or neck, as well as your chest. They can occur when you're active or at rest.

When to see a doctor

If you have new or unexplained heart palpitations, make an appointment to see your doctor. Be prepared to discuss any associated symptoms, your medical history and what medications, supplements and foods you usually consume.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of your heart palpitations. Your doctor will need to address any underlying conditions to stop the heart palpitations.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent heart palpitations is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and sleeping enough.

Heart palpitations Resources
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