symptoms
Palpitations
動悸 (dōki)
Palpitations are sensations of the heartbeat being rapid, fluttering, pounding, or irregular. They are often harmless and triggered by caffeine, stress, or exercise, but can indicate cardiac arrhythmias, thyroid disease, anemia, or anxiety disorders. Palpitations accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath require immediate medical evaluation.
An ECG (心電図, shindenzu) is the first test ordered for palpitations in Japan; cardiology clinics offer Holter monitoring for intermittent cases.
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Palpitations |
| Japanese (日本語) | 動悸 |
| Chinese (中文) | 心悸 |
| Korean (한국어) | 두근거림 |
| Portuguese | Palpitações |
| Spanish | Palpitaciones |
| Filipino | Tibok ng puso |
| Thai | ใจสั่น |
| Vietnamese | Hồi hộp |
| Romanization | dōki |
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Read the guide →Last reviewed: September 2026