Hello JJ, I agree with the above answer on both fronts.  Indeed it does sound like you are having palpitations, and yes, you should go to your doctor to have them checked out. Palpitations, like the ones you are experiencing, are caused by abnormal electrical conduction in the heart, leading to an irregular and/or too-fast heart rate.  Normally, these nerve-like pathways allow your heart to beat at a regular rate (anywhere from 60-100 beats per minute).  However, due to heart disease or genetics (especially if you have a family history of palpitations), these pathways do not keep your heart-rate constant.    Though it seems like these occurrences resolve on their own, part of the concern is that the irregular rhythm will not return to a normal rate.  When your heart pumps too fast, it does not allow for adequate filling of the heart with blood and therefore your heart cannot pump enough blood to your vital organs.   Some common and less serious causes of palpitations include too much caffeine, found in coffee, teas, and chocolates.  Also, an overactive thyroid gland can cause palpitations.  There are quite rare conditions that can cause palpitations.  However, only a doctor who can order tests for you like an EKG, thyroid stimulating hormone levels (TSH), blood electrolytes, and hemoglobin/hematocrit levels can tell you definitively what is causing your symptoms.   As I said before, you should see your doctor about your symptoms!  Though it could be nothing serious, only your physician can tell you for certain!   To your health, Neil MD