Palpitations

Palpitations are the sensations of your heart beating rapidly or irregularly, rapid “thumping” of your heart is a normal finding after strenous exercise, situations of increased anxiety or emotions. Infections, fever, alcohol, smoking, hyperthyroidism can also cause palpitations.
 
Palpitations that are associated with chest pain, breathing difficulties, sweating or nausea should be considered particularly dangerous, and require immediate physician evaluation.
 
It is helpful to have someone take your pulse, taking note of the rate (number of beats per minute) and the rhythm (regularity). A pulse exceeding 150/minute at rest (5-10 minutes of bedrest) can indicate a primary heart disorder. A rapid regular beat is usually less serious than a rapid irregular heart beat.