What does "palpitations and cardiac anxiety" mean?

Palpitation and cardiac anxiety are terms used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to describe symptoms characterized by intense, fearful, and uncontrollable sensations of heartbeats. Palpitations typically manifest as a rapid, irregular, or noticeable heartbeat and may be accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath, or other discomforts, often caused by arrhythmias or cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac anxiety, on the other hand, refers to persistent and severe heart palpitations throughout the day, particularly exacerbated by even slight physical exertion. These two conditions can be understood as differing degrees of the same disorder, with palpitation representing the milder form and cardiac anxiety the more severe form. Causes of palpitation and cardiac anxiety are varied, including heart disease, cardiovascular disorders, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, excessive stress, and medication side effects. Patients experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek timely medical attention for professional diagnosis and treatment.