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Heart Palpitations

By , About.com Guide

Updated March 20, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

Heart palpitations refer to an unpleasant awareness of the beating of the heart, and generally take the form of a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Palpitations may be caused by psychological disorders such as social anxiety disorder (SAD), medical conditions, excessive consumption of caffeine, and a variety of other factors.

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