In some cases, heart palpitations occur with no known cause or in the absence of disease. In other cases, the symptoms of heart palpitations are a warning sign of a problem within the heart or circulatory system. The heart muscle contains four chambers that beat when electrical signals from the SA node or heart's pacemaker signals them to. The SA node tells the heart how often and fast to beat. There are many diseases that can affect this system, which can lead to heart palpitations. Any symptoms present should always be evaluated to rule out serious underlying conditions.
Pounding and Racing Pulse
Having heart palpitations means that there is an awareness of the heart beat. The pulse or heart beat may become stronger and feel like it is pounding, fluttering, racing or skipping a beat, claims the National Institutes of Health. This sensation may be felt in the neck or chest.
The pulse may maintain a normal rhythm (60 to 80 beats per minute) or it may become too fast (tachycardia over 100 beats per minute) or too slow (bradycardia under 40 beats per minute). Heart palpitations can be due to disease or they can occur periodically when anxious, fearful, stressed, tired, when fighting a cold or flu or after consuming too much alcohol or caffeine.
Dizziness
Sometimes heart palpitations are caused by a heart-related disease or problem with one of the heart's four valves. If there are risk factors for heart disease present or heart disease has already been diagnosed, palpitations may also cause dizziness and lightheadedness. In severe cases, palpitations associated with a heart rate that is too fast or too slow can lead to fainting or passing out, states the Cleveland Clinic. These symptoms occur because the body and brain may not be getting the blood and oxygen they need to function properly.
Chest Pain
Heart failure, high or low blood pressure, anemia, thyroid disorders and low blood sugar levels can all cause the heart to beat out of rhythm and may lead to the sensation of palpitations. In cases where palpitations are caused by a disease, they may be accompanied by chest pain that may or may not radiate to the neck, back or jaw, warns the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Chest tightness, trouble breathing and sweating are other signs that that there is a serious underlying medical condition.
