Heart palpitations are an uncomfortable awareness of the heart
beating rapidly or irregularly. Palpitations can be caused by stress, fatigue,
or overuse of alcohol or stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine, and they
usually are not a serious problem.
Heart palpitations can feel
like:
- Pounding or fluttering in your
chest.
- Your heart is doing a flip-flop.
- Your heart is
skipping or missing a beat.
- Your heart is racing.
- You have an extra heartbeat.
- Your heart is beating in your neck.
If palpitations persist or occur with fainting, near
fainting, or lightheadedness, they may be a sign of a heart problem.