This is a condition where one is aware of or hears his or her own heartbeat. Normally, this activity and the beating of the heart is a silent operation within the chest cavity which can be felt by direct contact with the chest-wall with the hands or ears, or with the use of medical appliance called STETHOSCOPE. As this heartbeat is transmitted to the blood vessels, the beats can also be felt at certain points of the body as pulse beats. A situation where these beats become so strong and audible, It may pass for a harmless, transient body reaction, but when it is persistent and occurs with some other symptoms, it becomes a cause for concern. Some of the accompanying symptoms may be chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, fainting attack and fatigue. Sometimes the heartbeat felt maybe fast, irregular and vibrating in nature. Because of the sensitive nature of the heart, it is advisable that whatever symptoms involving it's activities should be carefully observed and promptly reported to the specialists.
Factors that could cause or influence palpitations include strong exercises and exertions, excitements, anxiety situations, phobias, panic attacks, stress, hormonal changes or disfunctions, use of stimulants including drugs e.g. caffeine, nicotine etc. And alcohol. It could also be a symptom of certain heart conditions e.g. high blood pressure.

TAKING CARE OF PALPITATION

This starts from identifying the onset, frequency, duration and possible triggering situations. This is very important for proper investigations, evaluations and effective management. It is important to apply the following measures.

• Seek medical or expert advice before embarking on certain physical exercise and exertions, especially if there are under-lying conditions.
• Rest, relaxation, good sleep as well deep-breathing exercises is advisable to handle stress and anxiety situations.
• Avoid or reduce stimulants and caffeine drinks present in coffee, tea, energy drinks, alcohol, cola-drinks and some flavoured drinks. Certain diet drinks with artificial sweeteners may act as trigger-agents.
• Avoiding use of hard drugs.
• Carefully read labels and direction leaflets on foods, drugs and drinks before use, even some prescription drugs may cause palpitation as side effect. Always feel free to consult with the doctor or pharmacist regarding symptoms felt while taking prescribed drugs.
• Avoid self medications and intake of unknown substances.
• Take up regular medical checkups. The heart is the power station of the body that should be properly maintained, handle it with care! Palpitations could could be a warning sign, so heed it! And report it!.
  Thank you.