Most people are never aware of their heart beating. When the heart beat is felt, it may be pounding, racing, skipping, or fluttering. Irregular or rapid beats that can be felt are known as palpitations. These are additional or dropped heart beats. Most palpitations last a short time. There is no damage to the heart if there is no underlying heart problem. Seek medical care if any of the following symptoms exist along with palpitations:
* sweating,
* shortness of breath,
* nausea or vomiting, or
* pain in the chest, arm, back or jaw.

Palpitations can be scary for an individual, even when the heart is healthy. Panic attacks may bring them on. Causes include:
* anxiety (the most common cause) ,
* drug side effects,
* excessive consumption of caffeine products such as colas, coffee, chocolate, tea, or other stimulants such as alcohol,
* exercising at high elevations,
* smoking,
* some heart or blood pressure medications,
* low blood sugar,
* medical disorders such as hyperthyroidism or heart conditions,
* over exercising,
* premenstrual syndrome (PMS) , or
* a lack of certain vitamins such as vitamin B1 or thiamin.

Palpitations are a symptom, and not a disease. It is important to determine the cause. At times, an ambulatory form of heart monitoring will be used to find out if a heart condition is the cause. Once that is ruled out, self care activities may be helpful in avoiding the symptom and include:
* stop smoking,
* decrease or stop drinking of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages,
* stopping drugs that may cause palpitations, and
* stress reduction programs.

Follow up with your healthcare provider if you have palpitations that cause you concern.

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