Palpitations

A sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat.It is sometimes described as thumping, pounding, jumping or racing. Some even think it’s a feeling of intense excitement, I can’t catch a breath or my chest feels like it is going to explode It may be felt at rest or during activity. You may notice heart palpitations in your chest, throat, or neck. They can be bothersome or frightening. It may not always be pathologic and often, they go away on their own.  Most times, they’re caused by anxiety and stress and/or because you’ve had too much caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol. They can also occur during pregnancy Palpitations may be brought on by intense emotions, exercise, certainmedications;palpitations may also be a sign of a more serious heart condition. So, if you have heart palpitations, see your doctor. Get immediate medical attention if you have any of these alongside palpitations:

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Fainting spells

Some disease conditions may also cause palpitation. Examples are cardiac conditions, hyperthyroidism. Palpitations when related to heart disease are more likely to represent arrhythmias  Heart conditions that are related to palpitations are:

• Heart failure
• Coronary heart disease
• Cardiomyopathies
• Valvular heart conditions
• Previous heart attack

If you have felt anything or had any of the conditions described above, your Doctor will perform certain tests and physical examinations. The tests may include Electrocardiogram (ECG), a stress test, or a Holter’s test. Treatment of palpitations ultimately will depend on the cause. However, they are often harmless and may go away on their own.