Everybody gets them. Palpitations are the unpleasant awareness of your heart beating from time to time. Some people describe this as their heart skipping, jumping , pounding , racing or fluttering .

Palpitations are most commonly due to an irregular heart rhythm, but can also be caused by other things such as intestinal gas, anxiety or they can just be normal like your heart pounding after heavy physical activity.

Most palpitations are due to benign or harmless extra beats we all get called PVCís (for premature ventricular contraction) or PAC's (for premature atrial contractions). These beats come from an irritable part of the heart beating earlier than it should. You feel it because the next heartbeat squeezes out extra blood and your heart actually moves in your chest more than is normal.

PVCís and PACís are normal but can become a nuisance if they happen too often. They can happen more frequently during periods of stress, lack of sleep or after too much caffeine.

Palpitations can, however, be a sign of more serious heart problems. If the heart beat is too slow it may mean a pacemaker is needed. Palpitations associated with a rapid heartbeat may require treatment with medications and even surgical treatments. Rapid heartbeats can be the first sign other serious forms of heart disease such as coronary artery disease or heart valve problems.

The initial evaluation for palpitations involve a careful history and physical examination by your doctor. Bloodwork may be ordered to check for anemia or thyroid problems. Often a 24-hour heart monitor will be worn to see exactly what you heartbeat is doing when you feel the palpitations.

If you feel palpitations but otherwise feel fine, try to cut out caffeine, get more rest and try to reduce your stresses. Tell you doctor about it on your next visit.