Mar 11, 2022 · Heart palpitations (pal-pih-TAY-shuns) are feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart. Stress, exercise, medication or, rarely, a medical condition can trigger them.

Aug 29, 2024 · The heart's electrical system controls the heartbeat. Some health conditions or heart surgery can change how electrical signals travel through the heart and cause atrial flutter.

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

Mar 11, 2022 · If you have heart palpitations with severe shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting, seek emergency medical attention. If your palpitations are brief and there are no other worrisome signs or …

Oct 13, 2023 · Rapid, chaotic electrical signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver instead of squeezing in a coordinated way. This serious problem can lead to death if a regular heart rhythm isn't …

Nov 6, 2021 · The August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter discussed various types of heart sensations or palpitations, which are the most common reason people seek medical care for heart issues.

This type of fast heartbeat may occur after heart surgery or during pregnancy. But infections may trigger it too. Learn how it's diagnosed and treated.

Dec 15, 2023 · Rapid, chaotic electrical signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver instead of squeezing in a coordinated way. Most people with this type of irregular heart rhythm have heart …

May 29, 2025 · Learn why a fluttering heart may lead to a stroke. Hear from a Mayo Clinic expert about atrial fibrillation.

Jan 14, 2026 · Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm. An irregular heart rhythm is called an arrhythmia. AFib can lead to blood clots in the heart. The condition also increases …