PALPITATIONS
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Palpitations mean that the heart is not
behaving normally. It can appear to skip beats, beat rapidly, beat
irregularly, or thump in the chest. Although palpitations are very
common and often harmless, they can be frightening to the person,
who is usually unaware of his or her heartbeat.
Palpitations can also be a sign of serious heart trouble.
Palpitations that are caused by certain types of abnormal heart
rhythms (arrhythmias) can be serious, and even fatal if left
untreated. Recognizable arrhythmias are present in a small number of
patients who have palpitations. Immediate medical attention should
be sought for palpitations that feel like a very fast series of
heartbeats, last more than two or three minutes, and are unrelated
to strenuous physical activity or obvious fright or anger. Medical
attention should also be sought if palpitations are accompanied by
chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or an overall feeling of
weakness.
Most people have experienced a skipped or missed heartbeat, which is
really an early beat and not a skipped beat at all. After a
premature heartbeat, the heart rests for an instant then beats with
extra force, making the person feel as if the heart has skipped a
beat. This type of palpitation is nothing to worry about unless it
occurs frequently. Severe palpitations feel like a thudding or
fluttering sensation in the chest. After chest pain, palpitations
are the most common reason that people are referred for cardiology
evaluation. |
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| PALPITATIONS RELATED ITEMS |
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