palpitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "palpitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a medical context to describe an irregular or rapid heartbeat, often associated with anxiety or excitement. Example: "After climbing the steep hill, I felt a sudden palpitation in my chest that made me stop and catch my breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Walker dutifully recorded the effects of leaking miasma on the constitution of gravediggers, ranging from general ill health ("pain in the head, heaviness, extreme debility, lachrymation, violent palpitation of the heart, universal trembling, with vomiting") to sudden death.

The Guardian

It is a form of local sensitivity to cold and is frequently seen in mentally or emotionally disturbed people or in those with neurocirculatory asthenia (a symptom-complex in which there is breathlessness, giddiness, a sense of fatigue, pain in the chest over the heart, palpitation, and a fast and forcible heartbeat of which the affected person is conscious).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chief symptoms of tachycardia are fatigue, faintness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a sensation of thumping or palpitation in the chest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Rembrandt's work, "flesh is painted, heads are drawn and modelled as if they emerged physically from the canvas, through a kind of tattoo of colours, a melted mosaic, a moving swarm of dabs which seems like... the palpitation of skin in sunlight".

The New Yorker

When her eyes reached Cuba, "I literally had a palpitation about it.

The New Yorker

And yet, something like a savor of life (because of the sweet smell of the rain), the very first discharge, like a momentary palpitation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The margin increased from a palpitation-inducing 1.2% only after it spent £36.5m in the summer – equating to 50p on the average energy bill – on two new additions to its toolkit.

The Guardian - Business

It was during pregame warm-ups Sunday night, before the Jets defeated the Patriots, 30-17, that Coach Herman Edwards knew Chad Pennington was about to inject another frisson of excitement into the Jets' palpitation-inducing season.

The New York Times - Sports

The World Health Organisation (WHO) study said the primary risk was from high caffeine levels, which can cause problems such as palpitations, hypertension, vomiting, convulsions and in extreme cases heart failure leading to death.

The Guardian

She died in Nottingham City hospital of viral acute myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, after suffering palpitations, her family said.

The Guardian

These drinks have sufficient amounts of caffeine to cause insomnia, jitteriness and palpitations.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical symptoms, be specific about the sensation. Instead of just saying "palpitation", consider adding descriptive details like "a rapid, fluttering palpitation" or "a strong, thumping palpitation" to provide more clarity.

Common error

While palpitations are often associated with anxiety, avoid implying they are solely psychological. Palpitations can have underlying medical causes, so don't dismiss them as "just anxiety" without proper evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "palpitation" is as a noun. It refers to a specific sensation related to the heartbeat. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage in medical and descriptive contexts, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "palpitation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, primarily employed to describe an irregular or noticeable heartbeat. As Ludwig AI indicates, it commonly appears in medical, news, and descriptive contexts. When using "palpitation", clarity is key; specifying the nature of the sensation enhances understanding. While often associated with anxiety, it's crucial not to dismiss potential underlying medical causes. Related terms like "heart flutter" or "irregular heartbeat" may offer alternative ways to express similar sensations. The most authoritative sources utilizing this term include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Encyclopedia Britannica, further solidifying its widespread and accepted use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heart flutter

Refers to a light, irregular heartbeat, often less intense than a palpitation.

irregular heartbeat

A general term for any deviation from the normal heart rhythm.

rapid heartbeat

Describes a heart rate that is faster than normal, but doesn't necessarily imply irregularity.

thumping heart

Indicates a strong, forceful heartbeat that is noticeable.

racing heart

Similar to rapid heartbeat, suggesting speed and intensity.

skipped beat

Refers to the sensation of a momentary pause in the heartbeat.

heart pounding

Emphasizes the intensity and forcefulness of the heartbeat.

cardiac arrhythmia

A medical term for irregular heart rhythm.

tachycardia

A specific type of rapid heartbeat, often used in a medical context.

fluttering sensation in the chest

A more descriptive phrase for a mild palpitation.

FAQs

What does "palpitation" mean in medical terms?

In medicine, "palpitation" refers to an abnormal awareness of one's own heartbeat, often described as a fluttering, racing, or pounding sensation in the chest.

What are common causes of /s/heart+palpitations?

Common causes of heart palpitations include stress, anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, exercise, and certain medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or cardiac arrhythmia.

When should I seek medical attention for /s/heart+palpitations?

Seek medical attention for heart palpitations if they are frequent, prolonged, accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, or if you have a history of heart problems.

What can I say instead of "palpitation" to describe a similar feeling?

You can use alternatives like "heart flutter", "irregular heartbeat", or "thumping heart" depending on the specific sensation you want to convey.