Palpitations are sensations of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats. People often describe it as feeling like their heart is beating irregularly or skipping beats. Palpitations can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, certain medications, hormonal changes, and underlying heart conditions. While occasional palpitations are usually harmless, persistent or severe palpitations may indicate a more serious issue and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional