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It may even happen when you glimpse someone you love, a sudden nervousness or adrenaline.
If the sensations are happening frequently it may suggest an abnormal
heart rhythm or arrhythmia.
"There are two types of erratic heart beats, arrhythmia and palpitations"
says Julie.
"If they are persistent they need to be investigated, through an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests."
An ECG is a simple test that records the heart's electrical activity.
2. A fast pulse
Your pulse can get faster if you exert yourself, feel nervous or get a burst
of adrenalin. If it goes back down again to a normal rate there's unlikely
to be a problem.
"There can be many reasons for a spike in your heart rate including exercise, stress and caffeine," says Julie.
If your pulse is going faster on a regular basis it needs attention.
Fast heart rhythms are known as tachycardia. They should be checked out
by a doctor, especially if they are accompanied by chest pain, shortness
of breath and dizziness.