In a nutshell
Palpitations are the perception of a pounding, fast, or skipping heartbeat. They can occur with stress or exertion, but also with rhythm disorders; the cause cannot be distinguished from the feeling alone.
Why does it happen?
Stress hormones can increase heart rate and force of contraction. Extra or irregular beats can be noticed as skipped beats or a forceful subsequent beat. Attention to a normal heartbeat also affects how it is perceived, which is why an ECG recording is decisive when needed.
Frequency
Consciously perceived palpitations are a common symptom with very different triggers. A single rate would mix normal responses to exertion with various heart-rhythm disorders.
Frequency is a qualitative description, not your individual probability.
Is it normal?
Brief palpitations with excitement or exertion can be normal.
When to seek advice
Call emergency services immediately for palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting; have new, recurrent, or longer-lasting episodes medically assessed.
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Sources (1)
- Herzklopfen: Symptome, Ursachen und Behandlung (opens a new tab)
The source distinguishes common triggers from possible heart disease and names warning signs.
Editorial update: . AI-assisted research and editing; not individually reviewed by a physician. How we research
