Palpitate

To palpitate means to experience a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat. This sensation is often described as a fluttering, pounding, skipping, or racing of the heart, making one acutely aware of its rhythm. Palpitations can occur in both healthy individuals and those with underlying medical conditions. They are triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, strenuous exercise, caffeine or stimulant use, certain medications, and hormonal changes. While often harmless, persistent or severe palpitations warrant medical attention to rule out serious heart problems. The physical sensation can be unsettling and may cause feelings of dizziness, shortness of breath, or anxiety. The intensity and duration of palpitations vary significantly.

Palpitate meaning with examples

• After running the marathon, Sarah's heart began to palpitate wildly. Despite feeling exhausted and drained, she couldn't ignore the frantic rhythm in her chest. She sat down quickly to catch her breath, hoping the pounding would subside, but the sensation intensified, making her feel a bit lightheaded. Eventually, after a few minutes of rest, the palpitations slowly subsided, and her heart rate returned to a normal pace.
• During the tense final moments of the game, the crowd's excitement was palpable. The lead changed hands multiple times, each play amplifying the tension. The quarterback, with the game on the line, felt his heart palpitate with both fear and excitement, the adrenaline pumping through his veins as he made the crucial pass. The impact of the game kept all spectators and players with their hearts in their mouths.
• The doctor listened intently as the patient described the times his heart would unexpectedly palpitate. The patient felt the fluttering sensation come on at seemingly random moments, leaving him anxious about when it would occur next. They then ran a series of tests to rule out any underlying heart condition. This event caused distress, and they made the patients life difficult with these irregular and rapid heart beats.
• During the particularly stressful meeting, the manager noticed his heart begin to palpitate. The pressure of deadlines and looming budget cuts had been weighing heavily on him, and the mounting tension finally manifested physically. He excused himself to step outside, hoping fresh air would calm him. After some deep breaths he was able to regain his composure and return to the meeting.
• Consumed by the thriller's suspense, the reader felt their heart palpitate with each unexpected twist. The author masterfully built tension, making the characters feel the fear in that moment. The descriptions created vivid imagery, amplifying the sense of urgency and dread with a constant race of heart beats. The anticipation was immense.