Normally speaking, we don’t even notice that our heart is beating. This hard-working organ supplies your body with blood all throughout your life, at an average heartrate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. Your pulse speeds up during exertion, returning to normal as soon as you start to wind down. If you experience palpitations, you will notice a sudden change in your heart’s activity. You’ll literally feel your heart pounding in your chest or your throat. The feeling can last for a few seconds or minutes at a time, which can be very unpleasant to go through. Heart palpitations can be a deep throbbing or pulsating feeling that tends to make people feel restless and anxious. Most instances of palpitations arrive as suddenly as they disappear. Causes can vary, but they are usually quite harmless in themselves: Changes in hormonal balance (e.g., menopause); Intense emotions (both positive and negative); Psychological triggers; Medication side-effects; Lifestyle choices. In addition, certain health conditions are associated with palpitations, including hyperthyroidism, anaemia, and heart conditions. Use of illegal substances (amphetamine, cocaine) or medication (diet pills, antibiotics, thyroid hormones, and asthma drugs) can cause palpitations too.