Over more than 4 million people are affected by heart palpitations every year. This number is showing no signs of decreasing, rather it is increasing. The most common and widespread cause of palpitations is stress. There are many factors that cause palpitations with stress being one of them.

Palpitations are sensations of the heartbeat that feel like racing or pounding. The person becomes aware of his/her heartbeat and the feeling is unpleasant. There may be a sensation that some heartbeats have skipped or even stopping of heartbeat. This may also be accompanied by profuse sweating and shivering. During palpitations, the heart’s rhythm can be either normal or abnormal. The main regions where palpitations can be felt are the chest, neck and throat region of the human body.


Most of the times, it is very likely that palpitations can be life threatening. Relaxing may help to control palpitations. A visit to the doctor is advised if palpitations are suspected. Neglecting palpitations can be dangerous and playing the doctor in this regard is not at all advised. Palpitations are not all times serious. At times they can be indicative of arrhythmia—a condition in which the heart loses its normal rhythm. Arrhythmias are caused when the normal electrical conduction system of the heart gets affected. Arrhythmia is a very serious condition and neglecting these symptoms can be dangerous and can even lead to death.


It is advised to visit the doctor and verify that palpitations are not associated with arrhythmia or any other serious disease.


The following are some of the causes of heart palpitations:

Excessive stress due to exercise
Fear, tension or excessive anger
High body temperature or fever
Substances like cocaine, caffeine, nicotine, etc
Unusual activity in the thyroid gland of the neck
Diseases of heart like arrhythmia or mitral valve prolapse
Anemia or decreased blood count
Lowered levels of oxygen in the blood or suffocation
Medications used to cure certain conditions can also cause palpitations. Common medications that cause palpitations are asthma drugs, thyroid pills and beta blockers.


It is very important to make a record of characteristics of palpitations. Noting down how often palpitations occur, how long they last, the time of occurrence, their duration and the accompanying feeling in a log book can be very much helpful while visiting the doctor. The doctor can make accurate diagnosis after analyzing the details in the log book.


It is very much advised to visit the doctor if palpitations are experienced for the first time. The doctor can figure out the causes of palpitations and can diagnose if the cause of these palpitations is of serious nature or not. Usually, palpitations are not serious or life threatening but visiting the doctor is the only way to play it safe.