Symptom

Palpitation

A sensation or feeling that your heart is suddenly pounding harder or faster is called a palpitation. You may feel these sensations in your chest, throat and neck.

Palpitations are usually harmless and are not an indication of any heart problems. Often they are a result of a sudden increase in a hormone your body releases when you are nervous, stressed or excited called adrenaline. Palpitations can be triggered by:

  • Anxiety, stress, fear or a panic attack
  • Use of recreational drugs
  • Caffeine or nicotine
  • Diet pills
  • Exercise
  • Fever

If you experience other symptoms along with palpitations such as dizziness, tightness in your chest or loss of consciousness you should seek medical attention.

Related conditions

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry and fear. When anxiety becomes problematic, these feelings are amplified, long-lasting and overwhelming.

Coronary heart disease

When plaque builds up in the arteries leading to your heart, the flow of vital blood and oxygen is restricted. Over the years, this restriction weakens your heart muscle.

Heart Disease

Nuffield Hospitals offers dedicated cardiology services for the assessment and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Ischaemia

An ischaemia is a restriction of blood flow and oxygen to a muscle.

Problem periods (menstrual disorders)

Unusually painful and heavy periods (menstruation), may be caused by fibroids, endometrial polyps or endometriosis – all of which we can treat safely and effectively.

Tachycardia

Tachycardia occurs when your heart beats faster than normal when you are at rest.

Valve disorders

Valve disorders (heart valve disease) occurs if a valve becomes stiff or does not close correctly.