Palpitations are the sensation of feeling your own heartbeat, which may seem like it's:
Racing
Pounding
Fluttering
Skipping beats
People often describe it as their heart "flip-flopping," "fluttering," or "beating too hard or too fast." Palpitations can occur in the chest, throat, or neck and may happen occasionally or frequently.
They can be caused by:
Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
Stimulants (like caffeine, nicotine, or certain medications)
Exercise
Hormonal changes (e.g., during pregnancy or menopause)
Medical conditions (like arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, or anemia)
Most palpitations are harmless, but if they occur frequently, are accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, or are associated with an underlying condition, they should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.