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palpitación means palpitation — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: February 19, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

palpitación

noun • /[pal-pee-ta-SYON]/

palpitation

Example:

Tengo palpitaciones desde anoche.

I’ve had palpitations since last night.

🧠 What does palpitación mean?

A 'palpitación' is the sensation of a heartbeat that is unusually rapid, strong, or irregular. It refers to the noticeable and often uncomfortable awareness of one's own heart beating. These sensations can be triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, anxiety, or certain medical conditions.

📚 Extra examples

  • Después de subir las escaleras corriendo, sentí una fuerte palpitación.
    After running up the stairs, I felt a strong palpitation.
  • La ansiedad a veces me provoca palpitaciones y falta de aire.
    Anxiety sometimes gives me palpitations and shortness of breath.
  • El paciente informó al médico que sufría de palpitaciones nocturnas.
    The patient informed the doctor that he suffered from nocturnal palpitations.
  • Beber demasiado café puede ser una causa común de palpitaciones.
    Drinking too much coffee can be a common cause of palpitations.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'palpitación' comes from the verb 'palpitar', which means 'to beat' or 'to throb'. While 'palpitación' almost always refers to the heart, 'palpitar' can be used more broadly to describe the pulsing of a vein ('la vena palpitaba') or even figuratively for the vibrant life of a city ('el corazón de la ciudad palpita').

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "palpitación"

Synonyms: latido fuerte, latido rápido, taquicardia
Opposites: ritmo cardíaco normal, pulso regular

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'palpitation' in Spanish?
The most direct and common translation for 'palpitation' is 'palpitación'.
How do you pronounce 'palpitación' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is pahl-pee-tah-SYOHN, with the emphasis on the final syllable.
How do you use 'palpitación' in a sentence?
A typical sentence would be: 'A veces tengo palpitaciones cuando estoy muy estresado.' (Sometimes I have palpitations when I'm very stressed.)
What is the English translation of 'palpitación'?
The English translation of 'palpitación' is 'palpitation'.
Does 'palpitación' change for gender or number?
'Palpitación' is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'palpitaciones'. For example, 'una palpitación' (one palpitation) and 'varias palpitaciones' (several palpitations).
Is 'palpitación' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is common, particularly in contexts related to health, medicine, and describing physical symptoms of stress, fear, or physical effort.
Does 'palpitación' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'palpitación' is a specific physiological term and does not have any common slang or alternative meanings.
Is 'palpitación' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term is used consistently with the same meaning across all Spanish-speaking regions.

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