What symptom might indicate an irregular heartbeat?

Palpitations are sensations that make a person aware of their heartbeat, which may feel like the heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering. These sensations are often associated with an irregular heartbeat, known medically as arrhythmia. When the heart beats in an irregular pattern, it can lead to feelings of discomfort or awareness of the heartbeat. Palpitations can be benign or may indicate more serious conditions, so they are significant symptoms for healthcare providers to assess.

In contrast, intense breathing, increased appetite, and vision changes do not directly indicate an irregular heartbeat. Intense breathing might relate more to anxiety or respiratory conditions, increased appetite typically involves metabolic or psychological factors, and vision changes could signify issues related to blood pressure or neurological conditions. None of these symptoms accurately reflect the experience of an irregular heartbeat the way palpitations do.