Symptom 15. Fluttering or Palpitations in the Chest: The Heart’s Warning
Feelings of fluttering, pounding, or rapid, irregular beats in your chest, known as heart palpitations, can be disconcerting. While occasional palpitations are often harmless, frequent episodes or those that are accompanied by other symptoms may signal heart trouble.
Various heart conditions can lead to palpitations, including heart valve problems, heart failure, and heart arrhythmias. In particular, arrhythmias—or abnormal heart rhythms—can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. These irregularities can cause a fluttering sensation or a feeling that your heart is “skipping a beat.”
While it’s common to experience palpitations during periods of stress or after consuming caffeine or nicotine, frequent or unexplained palpitations warrant medical investigation, especially if they are associated with other heart trouble symptoms.
In conclusion, heart trouble symptoms are wide-ranging and sometimes unexpected. Awareness of these symptoms and their potential implications for your heart health is key. Remember: It’s always better to seek help sooner rather than later if you’re experiencing symptoms that may indicate heart problems.
