Palpitations

Skip Navigation

Heart palpitations are an uncomfortable awareness of the heart beating rapidly or irregularly. Palpitations can be caused by many things. These include stress, certain health conditions, medicines, alcohol, and caffeine.

Heart palpitations can feel like:

  • Pounding or fluttering in your chest.
  • Your heart is doing a flip-flop.
  • Your heart is skipping or missing a beat.
  • Your heart is racing.
  • You have an extra heartbeat.
  • Your heart is beating in your neck.

If palpitations persist or occur with fainting, near fainting, or lightheadedness, they may be a sign of a heart problem.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.