A pounding or racing of the heart, which the patient can feel, is referred to as what?

The term that describes a pounding or racing of the heart that the patient can perceive is palpitation. Palpitations are often described as a sensation that the heart is beating too quickly, too hard, or irregularly, and patients frequently report this feeling when experiencing anxiety, excitement, or certain medical conditions.

This sensation can occur during rest or physical activity and may be temporary or chronic. Palpitations are typically benign, though they can also indicate underlying health issues, making it important for patients to report them to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate, tachycardia denotes an abnormally fast heart rate, and atrial flutter is a specific type of arrhythmia characterized by a rapid heart rhythm. While tachycardia could contribute to the sensation of palpitations, the term itself does not encompass the subjective experience that patients report. Thus, palpitation is the most accurate term for the given description.