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Heart Health

What to know about heart palpitations

An unusual heartbeat may get your attention, but often it's nothing to worry about.

  • Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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A mature man sitting on a couch holds a hand to his chest while experiencing heart palpitations.

Have you ever noticed that your heart seems to be beating differently? Maybe it happens when you're stressed or nervous - for example, right before you give a big presentation. Those irregular heartbeats are called heart palpitations. They're quite common - in fact, they're among the top reasons people see their primary care provider or even a cardiologist.

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About the Reviewer

photo of Howard E. LeWine, MD

Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. See Full Bio
View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD
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