Most of the time, we do not notice the beating of our hearts. Some people occasionally have an unpleasant awareness of their heart beats. This feeling is called, "having palpitations." Depending on the reason for the palpitations, you may feel as if your heart is skipping, jumping, pounding, racing, or fluttering. Palpitations usually last for only a few seconds. Sometimes they may continue for many minutes.

Palpitations are a relatively common occurrence. They do not always indicate illness or an abnormality of your heart's rhythm. Strenuous activity or anxiety may produce palpitations.

• What causes palpitations?
• If I complain of palpitations, what will my doctor do?
• How are palpitations treated?

What causes palpitations?
Palpitations may develop as a side effect of certain medications such as: amphetamines, aminophylline, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, diet pills, antidepressants, thyroid hormone replacement medication and decongestants.

The ingestion of other substances may also cause palpitations. These include: cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, chocolate, and some over-the counter drugs.

Cardiac (heart) related causes of palpitations are numerous. Palpitations are often caused by arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats or rhythms). Some arrhythmias are benign; while others are of a more serious nature. When you have an arrhythmia, you may experience other symptoms in addition to the palpitations. You may feel weak, short of breath or light-headed. One arrhythmia, atrial tachycardia may be accompanied by the desire to urinate.

Palpitations which are accompanied by "angina" (chest pain), may be indicative of coronary artery disease.

Mitral valve prolapse, a deformity of one of the heart's four valves, is another cardiac cause of palpitations.

Some other medical conditions which may cause palpitations are: overactive thyroid, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)., adrenal tumor, and anemia.

If I complain of palpitations, what will my doctor do?
Your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination.

As part of the history she will ask you whether you have any other symptoms in conjunction with the palpitations. Other symptoms may include: dizziness, tingling of your hands and face, light-headedness, chest pain, fainting, or a feeling of a lump in your throat. She will ask you if the palpitations happened abruptly or came on gradually. She will inquire as to what you were doing prior to the onset of the palpitations.

As part of the physical examination, your doctor will check your pulse and listen to your heartbeat