Heart palpitations in adults

When to seek medical advice

See your doctor if you experience the feeling of a rapid, fluttering or pounding heart (heart palpitations). Heart palpitations that occur without other symptoms don't often present a significant health risk.

Get emergency medical care if heart palpitations are accompanied by:

Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
Shortness of breath

Find possible causes of heart palpitations based on specific factors. Check one or more factors on this page that apply to your symptom.

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