Palpitation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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palpitation
[หpalpษชหteษชส(ษ)n ]
Definitions
medical condition
Palpitation is the feeling of having a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat.
Synonyms
heart flutter, heart racing, rapid heartbeat.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| palpitation |
Used in a more clinical or medical context to describe a noticeable, often irregular heartbeat. People might describe this to a doctor when having concerns about their heart health.
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| heart racing |
Commonly used to describe a situation where the heart is beating very fast, usually in response to emotions like excitement, fear, or anxiety.
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| heart flutter |
Often used casually or descriptively to refer to a light, quick feeling in the chest. This can sometimes be related to emotions or minor concerns.
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| rapid heartbeat |
This is generally used in more formal or medical discussions to describe an abnormally fast heart rate. It can be part of a diagnosis or description of symptoms.
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Examples of usage
- My palpitations usually occur when I'm stressed.
- She went to the doctor because of her frequent palpitations.
- The palpitations woke him up in the middle of the night.
emotional response
Palpitation can also refer to a sudden strong feeling of fear or excitement.
Synonyms
flutter of the heart, heart pounding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| palpitation |
This term is commonly used in medical settings to describe the sensation of a rapidly or irregularly beating heart. It's often used in more formal or clinical conversations.
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| heart pounding |
This expression is often used in everyday language to describe a strong, noticeable heartbeat, usually due to excitement, fear, or physical exertion. It may carry a sense of urgency or intensity.
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| flutter of the heart |
This phrase can be used in more poetic or literary contexts, often to describe a mild, usually non-threatening sensation of a rapid heartbeat, sometimes related to emotions.
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Examples of usage
- His heart raced with palpitations as he waited for the results.
- The palpitations she felt before the interview were nerve-wracking.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medical Insights
- Sometimes, a fast heartbeat can be caused by being excited, exercising, or feeling anxious.
- In rare cases, palpitations can indicate a heart condition, which is why doctors might check if they occur frequently.
- Most palpitations are harmless and go away on their own without treatment.
Cultural References
- In literature, a character's palpitations often signify emotional turmoil or dramatic tension.
- Songs and poems frequently use heartbeats as a metaphor for love and anxiety, illustrating deep feelings.
- Film directors might use the sound of a racing heartbeat to heighten suspense during dramatic scenes.
Psychological Factors
- Stress and anxiety are common triggers for palpitations, linking emotions to physical reactions.
- Mindfulness practices can help reduce anxiety-induced palpitations by calming the nervous system.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy may assist individuals in managing their emotional responses that lead to palpitations.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, people have linked fast heartbeats to supernatural experiences, like omens or warnings.
- Medieval medicine often attributed palpitations to astrological signs or the influence of celestial bodies.
- Early medical professionals documented palpitations as a symptom of various ailments, emphasizing the heart's symbolic importance.
Physiological Understanding
- Palpitations can happen when the heart's electrical signals misfire, causing irregular rhythms.
- Stimulants like caffeine or nicotine can lead to temporary palpitations, affecting the body's normal rhythm.
- Training the body through exercise can improve heart function and reduce the frequency of palpitations over time.
Origin of 'palpitation'
The word 'palpitation' originated from the Latin word 'palpitatio', which means a rapid throbbing or fluttering. The term has been used in medical contexts since the 17th century to describe the sensation of an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Over time, 'palpitation' has also come to be associated with strong emotional responses, reflecting the physical sensation of one's heart beating rapidly in moments of fear, excitement, or stress.