What does the term "palpitations" refer to?

The term "palpitations" refers specifically to an awareness of the heartbeat, often characterized by sensations that it is beating rapidly, forcefully, or irregularly. When individuals experience palpitations, they may feel like their heart is racing or fluttering, which aligns closely with the description of a noticeably rapid heartbeat. This feeling can occur during rest, exercise, or even while at rest and can arise due to various factors, including stress, anxiety, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions.

Understanding palpitations is essential in clinical practice, as they may indicate underlying cardiovascular issues or be benign in nature. This highlights the importance of accurate patient descriptions of their symptoms when evaluating cardiovascular health.

Palpitations should not be confused with a slow heartbeat, an irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing, as these terms describe different clinical symptoms that may relate to distinct health issues.