Palpitations, which can be defined as an unpleasant awareness of a rapid or forceful beating of the heart, may indicate anything from serious cardiac rhythm problems to nothing worrisome at all. Typically, an individual who is experiencing palpitations describes a sensation of a skipped beat; however, people also may describe a rapid heartbeat or a sensation of lightheadedness. Whenever the palpitation is accompanied by lightheadedness or loss of consciousness, it is imperative that a further workup be undertaken to determine whether serious, underlying heart-rhythm problems are present. Often, the simplest underlying causes of palpitations can be turned around by getting more sleep, drinking less coffee or other caffeinated beverages, decreasing alcohol consumption, or trying to reduce the amount of stress in your life. Nevertheless, you need to take this problem to your doctor for evaluation first.