What's the difference between cardiac arrythmia and palpitations?

 Cardiac arrythmia is a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm. Palpitations, on the other hand, are simply an awareness of your heart beating. You may feel like your heart is "fluttering" or "skipped a beat".

Many people experience palpitations from time to time and they're generally not cause for concern. However, if you experience palpitations often or they're accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, or chest pain, you should see your doctor. These could be signs of a more serious problem such as arrhythmia.