Be still your beating heart

As women approach menopause they may sometimes experience sudden and rapid fluttering or pounding sensations in their chest or they may feel as though their heartbeat has suddenly sped up.“These palpitations can be associated with hormonal fluctuations and are often triggered by hot flushes,” explains Professor Garry Jennings, the Heart Foundation’s chief medical advisor.“Mostly they are uncomfortable though harmless, but women should still seek advice to rule out other causes, including overactive thyroid, or heart arrhythmias.” Caffeine, stress, anxiety, excessive exercise, and some medications can also trigger heart palpitations.