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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Medical Symptoms Guide > Heartbeat Sensations

Heartbeat Sensations

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview & Considerations

Common Causes

Home Care & Treatment

Prevention

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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

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Definition

Heart palpitations are heartbeat sensations that feel like pounding or racing. You may simply have an unpleasant awareness of your own heartbeat. Or, you may feel skipped or stopped beats. Your heart rythym may be regular (normal) or irregular (abnormal). Palpitations can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck.

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Heart Beat
Heart Beat

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Overview & Considerations

Normally the heart beats between 60 and 100 times per minute. In people who are physically very fit (those who exercise routinely) and in people who take medications that slow the heart, the rate may drop below 55 beats per minute.

If your heart rate is very fast (over 100 beats per minute), this is called tachycardia. An unusually slow heart rate is called bradycardia, and if you feel an occasional extra heart beat this is known as extrasystole.

Most people who complain about palpitations do not have heart disease, although many are concerned about the possibility.

Serious or concerning palpitations depends on whether the sensations represent an abnormal heart rhythm (called an arrhythmia) or not. You are more likely to have an abnormal heart rhythm if you:

  • Already have heart disease at the time that the palpitations begin.
  • Have significant risk factors for heart disease.
  • Have an abnormal heart valve.
  • Have an electrolyte abnormality.


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Definition
Heartbeat Sensations: Overview & Considerations
Heartbeat Sensations: Common Causes
Heartbeat Sensations: Home Care & Treatment
Heartbeat Sensations: Prevention
Call your Health Care Provider if
What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Anemia
Arrhythmias
Heart Disease
Hyperthyroidism

Tests & Exams

Coronary Angiography
ECG
Echocardiogram
Holter Monitor (24h)
Intracardiac Electrophysiology Study (EPS)
Pulse

Other Topics

Breathing Difficulty
Chest Pain
Dizziness
Fever
Rapid Deep Breathing (Hyperventilation)
Stress and Anxiety

Review Date : 9/22/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Elena Sgarbossa, MD, Department of Cardiology, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/15/2001).

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A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial reviewers. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Page Last Updated: 09 Jul, 2008