When should I be concerned about heart fluttering?

It’s normal if these moments of excitement make your heart flutter briefly. These flutters are called heart palpitations — when your heart beats faster than normal or it skips a few beats. You might also feel overly aware of your own heartbeat . Most of the time, heart palpitations are harmless and go away on their own.

Heart palpitations are common, and they often last for a few seconds . The tips listed above can help to stop palpitations and reduce their occurrence. Speak to a doctor if the sensation lasts for longer than a few seconds. This may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.

If your palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain , you should seek medical attention. “Palpitations can be caused by a wide range of abnormal heart rhythms.