Palpitations are the sensations of your heart beating
rapidly or irregularly, rapid “thumping”
of your heart is a normal finding after strenous
exercise, situations of increased anxiety or emotions.
Infections, fever, alcohol, smoking, hyperthyroidism
can also cause palpitations.
Palpitations that are associated with chest pain,
breathing difficulties, sweating or nausea should
be considered particularly dangerous, and
require immediate physician evaluation.
It is helpful to have someone take
your pulse, taking note of the rate (number of beats
per minute) and the rhythm (regularity). A pulse
exceeding 150/minute at rest (5-10 minutes of bedrest)
can indicate a primary heart disorder. A rapid regular
beat is usually less serious than a rapid irregular
heart beat.
