Heart Racing? Is it Love or Something Else?
Heart pounding? When you feel flutters, pounding sensations or that your heart has skipped a beat – it could be love, but the actual medical term is heart palpitations. Sometimes heart palpitations are also felt in the neck.
“Although it may cause curiosity or even concern, heart palpitations are generally not serious,” said Casey Becker, MD, a cardiologist with Memorial Specialty Care. “In some cases – depending on symptoms, duration and the situation – an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, may require treatment.”
Heart palpitations usually occur during times of strong emotion, stress or exercise. They can also be induced by medication or during times of illness. Symptoms include:
- Pounding heartbeat
- A feeling of a skipped heartbeat
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fluttering heartbeat
Whether you are active or at rest, it is possible to experience heart palpitations.
“Almost always your heart ‘racing’ is harmless, but if you have a history of heart disease or palpitations increase or get worse, you should speak with your doctor for more tests,” Becker said.
Speak with Your Doctor
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit your nearest emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency. Heart palpitations that include dizziness, fainting, chest pain or severe shortness of breath should be evaluated as soon as possible.
Concerned about heart health?
Speak with your primary care provider about your heart health, visit Memorial Heart Care for an overview of our services or seek out a specialist at Memorial Specialty Care Cardiology.