Some symptoms may require urgent medical evaluation. Know when to seek emergency care.
Heart palpitations are the sensation of feeling your heart beating, whether it's racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats. While often harmless, palpitations can sometimes indicate an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. In case of emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
Anonymized real-world case study
34-year-old female
Symptom Duration: 2 weeks
"My heart keeps racing unexpectedly, especially at night"
"I first noticed my heart racing while lying in bed. It felt like my heart was pounding out of my chest. At first, I thought it was just stress from work, but it kept happening. I'd wake up at 3am with my heart beating fast for no reason. I was terrified it was a heart attack."
Benign Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)
Lifestyle modifications, stress reduction, reduced caffeine intake
After wearing a Holter monitor for 48 hours, I was diagnosed with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). My doctor assured me they were benign. Reducing caffeine and managing stress significantly reduced the frequency. I still get them occasionally but no longer panic when they happen.
Not all heart palpitations indicate a serious condition. However, persistent or concerning symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out underlying issues.
This case study is anonymized and for educational purposes only. Individual experiences may vary. Consult a healthcare provider for personal medical advice.
Heart palpitations can feel like: • Heart racing or pounding • Fluttering in chest • Skipped or extra beats • Flip-flopping sensation • Thumping or pounding in chest • Awareness of heartbeat at rest
Extra beats that feel like skipped beats. Usually benign.
Fast heart rate above 100 beats per minute at rest.
Irregular and often rapid heartbeat from upper heart chambers.
Extra beats originating from outside the heart's normal pacemaker.
Emotional stress triggers adrenaline release affecting heart rhythm.
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications can trigger palpitations.
Irregular heartbeat from disorganized electrical signals in upper heart.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause rapid heartbeat.
Abnormal heart valves can cause irregular heartbeats.
Low potassium, magnesium, or calcium affecting heart rhythm.
Seek medical care if palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or if you have a history of heart disease. Occasional brief palpitations without other symptoms are usually not concerning.
Try relaxation techniques, slow deep breathing, splashing cold water on your face, or the Valsalva maneuver (bearing down as if having a bowel movement). Reducing caffeine, stress, and staying hydrated can help prevent them.
Monitor your symptoms, track medications, and keep all your health records in one secure place. Join thousands taking control of their health.
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All health information is based on peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines, and recommendations from authoritative health organizations like CDC, WHO, and Mayo Clinic.
January 2025
We regularly review and update our content to reflect the latest medical research and clinical practices.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. In case of emergency, call emergency services immediately.
Content based on peer-reviewed research and clinical guidelines
1. 2023 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
January CT, Wann LS, Calkins H, et al.
Circulation, 2023DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
"Patient education about symptom recognition and appropriate response is essential for optimal management of heart rhythm disorders."
2. Premature Ventricular Complexes: A Clinical Review
Lee GK, Klarich KW, Grogan M, Lam CSP
Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2022
"Most PVCs in patients without structural heart disease are benign and require only reassurance and lifestyle modification."
3. Heart Palpitations: Evaluation and Management
Ravindranath S, Wang K, Hammond J
American Family Physician, 2023
5. Prevalence of Palpitations in the Adult Population
Weber BE, Kapoor WN
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2019
"Palpitations are reported by approximately 16% of patients in general medical practice."
References are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Last update: March 2026
Cardiologist
Cardiovascular Medicine
Dr. Chen is a board-certified cardiologist with over 15 years of experience in cardiac electrophysiology and heart rhythm disorders.
Remember: In case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
