A racing heart: Cause for concern?
Heart palpitations are very common. They can be caused by many things, such as caffeine, stress, or thyroid problems. Palpitations that appear as a fleeting symptom and generally require no evaluation. Palpitations that last for more than a few seconds to minutes or are associated with lightheadedness or passing out should be evaluated thoroughly by a doctor. Sometimes the cause is an abnormal heart rhythm or a leaky heart valve. Sometimes palpitations are the result of another condition such as anxiety or low blood sugar. Treating the underlying condition can often resolve the palpitations.
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