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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffHeart palpitation symptoms can feel like:
- Skipped heartbeats
- Fluttering heartbeats
- Heartbeats that are too fast
- Heartbeats that are pumping harder than usual
You may feel heart palpitations in your throat or neck, as well as your chest. Heart palpitations can occur whether you're active or at rest, and whether you're standing, seated or lying down.
When to see a doctor
Palpitations that are infrequent and last only a few seconds usually do not require any evaluation. If you have a history of heart disease or have frequent palpitations, talk to your doctor. He or she may suggest heart-monitoring tests to see if your palpitations are caused by a more serious heart problem. Seek emergency medical attention if heart palpitations are accompanied by:
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Fainting
- Severe shortness of breath
- Severe dizziness
- Zimetbaum PJ. Overview of palpitations in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 3, 2011.
- Palpitations. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hpl/hpl_all.html. Accessed Feb. 3, 2011.
- Khamis RY, et al. Palpitations. Medicine. 2009;37:100.
- Abbott AV. Diagnostic approach to palpitations. American Family Physician. 2005;71:743.
- Thompson J. Psychological and physical etiologies of heart palpitations. Holistic Nursing Practice. 2006;20:107.
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