Palpitation is an awareness of a strong, fast, irregular, abnormal or “galloping” heartbeat. Palpitations tend to be unpleasant and may even be quite violent. They are caused by a change in the heart's rhythm or rate or an increase in the force of its contractions. Fortunately, palpitations are usually brief, and the majority of them are benign.

More serious palpitations may be caused by an underlying heart-related condition (e.g., coronary artery disease or mitral valve prolapse), or they may be due to other situations (e.g., stress or overuse of caffeine). Palpitations are also frequently caused by psychological disorders, such as panic attacks or depression. Some palpitations have no known cause. Anyone who has experienced palpitations is strongly encouraged to see a physician to diagnose and, if necessary, treat the condition.