Can coughing really hard cause a heart palpitation?  Im getting over a cold and have a strange sensation in my esophagus and chest that makes me want to cough.  Just recently I coughed and shortly afterward felt that fluttery feeling of a palpitation.  Thanks.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Yes, coughing can cause tachycardia (high pulse rate) and fluttering feeling in heart. Coughing is commonly due to upper or lower respiratory tract infection. And tachycardia is common in infection. Coughing itself causes strain and exertion to the body. So all this cause tachycardia. So better to consult doctor and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and chest x-ray to rule out lower respiratory tract infection (LETI). You need antibiotics, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory Chat Doctor.