Palpitations: What They Are, Why They Happen, and What to Do

When your heart suddenly feels like it’s pounding, fluttering, or skipping a beat, you’re experiencing palpitations, an awareness of your own heartbeat, often described as racing, thumping, or irregular. Also known as heart palpitations, they’re not a disease themselves—but a symptom that can point to stress, medication side effects, or something more serious. Most people feel them at least once, often after caffeine, a panic attack, or intense exercise. But if they happen often, last longer than a few seconds, or come with dizziness or chest pain, they need attention.

Irregular heartbeat, a common cause of palpitations, includes conditions like atrial fibrillation or premature contractions. These aren’t always dangerous, but they can signal underlying issues like thyroid problems, electrolyte imbalances, or heart disease. Anxiety and palpitations, are tightly linked—stress triggers adrenaline, which speeds up your heart and makes you hyper-aware of it. Many people mistake panic attacks for heart attacks because the symptoms overlap. And then there’s medication side effects, from decongestants to antidepressants, asthma inhalers to thyroid pills. Some drugs you take for one thing can accidentally stir up your heart rhythm.

What you find in these posts isn’t just theory. It’s real-world guidance from people who’ve lived with palpitations, doctors who’ve treated them, and studies that show what actually works. You’ll learn how to tell if your palpitations are harmless or a red flag, how certain meds can trigger them—even ones you didn’t think could—and what steps to take before your next doctor visit. You’ll also see how managing stress, checking your electrolytes, or adjusting your prescription can make a difference without jumping straight to tests or pills. This isn’t about fear. It’s about knowing when to pay attention, when to let it go, and how to talk to your provider so you’re not left guessing.