Common causes include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or stimulants
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, thyroid disorders)
- Arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation)
- Low blood sugar or dehydration

Palpitations are the sensation of feeling your heartbeat — whether it is racing, fluttering, pounding, or skipping beats. They can occur from stress, stimulants, or exercise, but may also signal an underlying heart rhythm disorder.
Yes, and they are often harmless. However, frequent or prolonged palpitations may require evaluation.
Treatment depends on the cause — some require only simple lifestyle changes, while others may need medication or heart rhythm monitoring.
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Seek immediate care if you experience chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath along with palpitations.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Siddiqui is the Chief Medical Officer at TeleMed2U responsible for clinical and technical program development as well as maintaining a thriving telemedicine practice in infectious diseases which includes specialized care of Hepatitis and HIV.
Your copay
Depending on insurance