Description: an unusual awareness of the heart beat, often perceived as either a skipped beat, a pause, an irregular heart rhythm, and/or a rapid heart rhythm.
Some causes related to cardiovascular disease: Virtually any of the many types of heart rhythm disturbances can cause palpitations. While most of these arrhythmias are relatively benign in nature, some can be dangerous. It is difficult if not impossible to tell with certainly, from the palpitations themselves, whether the arrhythmia causing the palpitations is potentially dangerous.
Some causes related to other disorders: Occasionally, non-cardiac disorders such as thyroid disease or anxiety conditions can produce palpitations.
Significance: Because palpitations may occasionally indicate a significant cardiac arrhythmia, they should always be evaluated by a physician.
