Chest Fluttering: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

Palpitations, also called heart flutters, are the sensations caused by an unusually fast or an irregular heart rate. There are many possible causes for palpitations:

Normal causes:

- Anxiety

- Exercise

- Caffeine

- Nicotine

- Alcohol

- Pregnancy

Medical causes:

- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

- Heart defects

- Thyroid problems

- Anemia

- Electrolyte imbalances

- Blood clots

- Infections

- Medications

Serious causes:

- Heart attack

- Stroke

- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)

- Aortic dissection (a tear in the aorta)

If you are experiencing palpitations, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.