Advertisement
question

What do heart palpitations feel like?

Douglas E. Severance, MD
Douglas E. Severance, MD
Family Medicine
answer
Heart palpitations are feelings that your heart is beating way too fast, too forceful, or skipping or adding a beat. Sometimes heart palpitations feel like a gentle fluttering in your chest. Other times, heart palpitations can be strong enough to take your breath away. You may notice heart palpitations when you have high anxiety or are afraid. Or you might have heart palpitations after drinking a highly caffeinated drink such as coffee. Heart palpitations can happen anytime, day or night. Most of the time heart palpitations are harmless and are the result of stress, too much alcohol or caffeine, diet pills, cigarette smoking (nicotine), or medications taken for allergies and flu. It's good to get heart palpitations checked out to make sure they are not the sign of a more serious problem, so always check with your doctor.

Continue Learning about Heart and Circulatory System

What you should know about heart failure
What you should know about heart failure
Contrary to popular belief, heart failure doesn’t mean that your heart suddenly stops beating. “Heart failure is when your heart cannot adequately del...
Read More
Heart failure and heart rhythm: the link you need to know about
Heart failure and heart rhythm: the link you need to know about
The heart acts as a pump, sending oxygen-rich blood out to the body and oxygen-depleted blood to the lungs. To execute its duties, it must contract wi...
Read More
Is a stress test risky or uncomfortable?
Is a stress test risky or uncomfortable? The risk of something serious happening during a stress tes...
More Answers
How big is your heart?
How big is your heart? A healthy human heart is about the size of your fist. Learn more from our exp...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.