What are heart palpitations and what do they feel like?

Heart palpitations are the sensation that your heart is beating too hard, too fast, skipping beats, or fluttering in your chest. You may feel them in your chest, throat, or neck, and they can occur during activity or at rest. While palpitations are often harmless and triggered by stress, caffeine, exercise, or hormonal changes, they can sometimes signal an underlying condition such as arrhythmia, thyroid issues, anemia, or heart disease.

Because the causes of heart palpitations range from mild to serious, understanding what's driving your symptoms is the critical first step. Rather than guessing or waiting to see if it happens again, take a few minutes to complete a free, instant, online symptom check. It's fast, private, and helps you understand possible causes and next steps—so you can make informed decisions about your health with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026