What should I do now?
Call 911
Call 911 for new or unexplained chest pressure that persists or returns, severe trouble breathing, collapse without normal recovery, or sudden face/arm weakness or trouble speaking. Do not drive yourself.
Contact your care team
Contact your care team for new, longer, or more frequent episodes, or reduced activity.
Keep your care plan
Record timing, duration, and symptoms when safe; save any available EKG recording.
SECTION 1
What are palpitations?
Palpitations are the sensation of noticing your heartbeat more than usual. Your heart may feel as though it is racing, fluttering, pounding, skipping a beat, or beating unevenly. You may notice this in your chest, throat, or neck, during activity or while resting.
What can palpitations feel like?
- Racing: Your heart suddenly feels faster than usual.
- Fluttering: A rapid, trembling sensation in your chest.
- Pounding: Heartbeats that feel unusually strong or forceful.
- Skipped beats: A brief pause followed by a stronger thump.
- Irregular beats: A heartbeat that feels uneven or unpredictable.
Episodes may last a few seconds, several minutes, or longer. They may happen occasionally or repeatedly.
A symptom, not a diagnosis
Palpitations describe what you feel. They do not tell us which heart rhythm is present. You may feel a normal heartbeat, an extra beat, or an abnormal rhythm. An EKG or heart monitor can help identify what is happening.
Why does it feel like my heart skipped a beat?
Sometimes an early beat is followed by a brief pause and a stronger heartbeat. This can feel like a skipped beat even though your heart actually had an extra beat. PACs and PVCs are common examples.
Are palpitations always dangerous?
Many palpitations are harmless. However, new, recurring, worsening, or prolonged symptoms should be evaluated, especially if you have known heart disease.
Call 911 if palpitations occur with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or severe dizziness. Do not drive yourself.
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Medical illustrations are simplified examples for teaching.