Heart palpitations are common, but they can still feel scary. But once in a while, it can signal an abnormal heart rhythm that deserves a closer look. Heart palpitations are common, but they can still feel scary. Triggers That Can Make Your Palpitations Feel WorseSometimes, that racing feeling gets turned up by things that kick your adrenaline into gear. For doctors, the goal is to catch what your heart rhythm is doing while you're actually feeling the symptoms.