Palpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck.

You may:
Have an unpleasant awareness of your own heartbeat
Feel like your heart skipped or stopped beats

Considerations
Normally the heart beats 60 - 100 times per minute. The rate may drop below 60 beats per minute in people who exercise routinely or take medicines that slow the heart.
If your heart rate is fast (over 100 beats per minute), this is called tachycardia. A heart rate slower than 60 is called bradycardia. An occasional extra heartbeat is known as extrasystole. Palpitations are not serious most of the time. Sensations representing an abnormal heart rhythm (Arrhythmia) may be more serious. The following conditions make you more likely to have an abnormal heart rhythm:
-- Known heart disease at the time the palpitations begin
-- Significant risk factors for heart disease
-- An abnormal heart valve
-- An electrolyte abnormality in your blood -- for example, a low potassium level

Causes
-- Heart palpitations can be due to:
-- Anxiety, stress, panic attack, or fear
-- Caffeine intake
-- Nicotine intake
-- Cocaine or other illegal drugs
-- Diet pills
-- Exercise
-- Fever

Home Care
Lower your intake of caffeine and nicotine. This will often reduce heart palpitations.
Learn to reduce stress and anxiety. This can help prevent palpitations and help you better manage them when they occur.
-- Try deep relaxation or breathing exercises.
-- Practice yoga, meditation, or tai chi.
-- Get regular exercise.
-- Do not smoke.