Symptoms

Heart palpitations can feel like your heart is:

• Skipping beats
• Fluttering rapidly
• Beating too fast
• Pounding
• Flip-flopping

You might feel heart palpitations in your throat or neck as well as your chest. They can occur when you're active or at rest.

When to see a doctor

Palpitations that are infrequent and last only a few seconds usually don't need to be evaluated. If you have a history of heart disease and have palpitations that occur frequently or worsen, talk to your doctor. He or she might suggest heart-monitoring tests to see if your palpitations are caused by a more serious heart problem.

Seek emergency medical attention if heart palpitations are accompanied by:

• Chest discomfort or pain
• Fainting
• Severe shortness of breath
• Severe dizziness