A heart palpitation is quite a common problem; it is an abnormal awareness of the beating of the heart, whether it beats forcibly, slowly and maybe irregularly or at its normal frequency. It is a very distressing condition but it is not always considered serious.

The symptoms of palpitations include:
    Thumping feeling in the chest
    Shortness of breath
    Feeling of discomfort in the front of the chest
    Pulse rate increases (becomes faster than normal)
    Dizziness or light headedness
    Tightness in the chest
    Actual blackouts or near blackouts

Causes of heart palpitations include:

1)    Increased work load of the heart – palpitations may occur with increased work load of the heart, for instance some people may experience palpitation if they lie down in a certain way.  
2)    Anxiety – this is one of the major causes of palpitations; people who suffer form anxiety disorder are at risk of experiencing palpitations.
3)    Overfull stomach
4)    Excessive smoking
5)    Constipation
6)    Flatulence
7)    Hyperdynamic circulation (Pyrexia, Pregnancy, Valvular incompetence, Hypercapnia, Anemia)

Heart palpitations can be cured using the following orthodox treatments:

    Physicians usually prescribe a beta-blocking drug, this medication blocks the effect of adrenaline on the heart, although this pills can cause sleep disturbance, impotence (yikes!), drowsiness, can aggravate asthma and can cause depression.
    For severe palpitations, an antiarrhythmic medication can be injected intravenously, but if this treatment proves unsuccessful, “cardioversion” may be introduced. This treatment involves delivering an electric shock to the chest of the patient (who will off course be under a short general anaesthesia), this stops the abnormal beating of the heart and gives way for normal rhythm.

Home remedies for treating heart palpitations include:

    Guava – this fruit is a very effective home remedy for treating palpitation of the heart. Eating guava each day on an empty stomach is very beneficial in treating this condition especially if this condition was brought-on by anaemia and nervousness.
    Honey – this golden elixir has really proved beneficial in treating palpitations of the heart, because honey is easily digested and absorbed by the body. Before going to bed, a patient should drink a glass of water mixed with a tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon.
    Aniseed, Jaggery and Coriander – these three substances (powdered) are great for treating heart palpitations. Six grams of these substances (mixed) should be taken after every meal.
    Grapes – grape juice taken at regular intervals is highly effectively in relieving this condition.
    Indian Spikenard – this Indian herb is known to stimulate the action of the heart if it is taken in doses of 2 to 3 grams (used with a pinch camphor and cinnamon). Infusion doses should be 30 to 60 ml, three times daily. 

Diet and things to avoid:

    Include lots of fruits and veggies to your diet
    Avoid caffeine, teas, alcohol, soft drinks and chocolates
    Take lots of dairy foods
    Avoid over processed foods.

Meditation, reading and active exercises such cycling, brisk walks and skipping can also help you relieve palpitations of the heart.