Hi, Palpitations can be due to a change in the heart rate or rhythm and it is not normally in most circumstances. It is expected in exercise and also with infections particularly if a fever is present. It is also the side effect of some medications. Under other circumstances, it is not considered normal. To determine the cause, you would need an ECG to look at the heart rate and rhythm and also blood tests such as complete blood count and thyroid function tests. The complete blood count is to look for anemia and the thyroid tests are to rule out high thyroid hormone levels. High blood pressure has been nick named the silent killer, this means that unless really really high, it has no symptoms. Persons can come to an office with readings of 200/100 and feel fine. Because it has no symptoms and causes irreversible damage, medication is not usually suppose to be taken as needed. You may want to discuss this with your doctor. If you can control your blood pressure naturally with diet and exercise, then medicines may not be needed. But if it is not controlled, it can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. I hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Michelle Gibson James