What do palpitations feel like?
People describe palpitations as a skipped beat, an extra or “flip-flop” beat, a racing or pounding heart, or a fluttering sensation. Many are caused by premature beats, which are common and usually benign in people with otherwise healthy hearts.Common, usually harmless triggers
- Caffeine and energy drinks
- Stress and anxiety — a very frequent cause
- Lack of sleep and fatigue
- Nicotine and alcohol
- Dehydration
- Intense exercise or the recovery period afterward
When palpitations need evaluation
Even if individual episodes feel minor, see a doctor if palpitations are frequent, prolonged, or worsening, or if you have a history of heart disease. Get emergency care if they’re accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or severe breathlessness — these can signal a more serious rhythm problem like atrial fibrillation or another condition.How a home EKG helps
Palpitations are notoriously hard to catch in a doctor’s office because they come and go. Recording a single-lead EKG trace during an episode — plus noting when it happened, how long it lasted, and what you were doing — gives your doctor objective information. The SonoHealth EKGraph is built for exactly this kind of in-the-moment capture you can share later.Track it for your doctor
Keep a simple log of episodes and triggers alongside any EKG recordings. Patterns often emerge that help guide evaluation — and remember to seek emergency care for chest pain or fainting rather than waiting to record.Related: Home EKG Monitoring · Atrial Fibrillation Explained · Normal Heart Rate and Rhythm · Magnesium and Palpitations