I had a heart palpitation when i went into the ocean to swim. i had had a gin drink. i'm 23 and a female. in good shape. my heart rate was a little fast and i felt lightheaded. i'm ok now. what to do?

An episode of fast: heart rate. Fast enough to affect the amount of blood flow to the brain causing lightheadedness. Doctors would like to know more about the rythm of your heart in an extended period. See your doctor. They may attach a monitor on your chest to monitor the rythm. May need echo, ecg etc. Also may be referred to heart specialist depending how serious it is.

See below: Alchohol can cause palpitations in some people. If this was the only time you experienced it it's probably not a concern. If you exercise regularly and don't experience palpitations that is reassuring. Most, but not all, palpitations in otherwise healthy young individuals are not associated with any identifiable heart disease and are not serious. For an accurate diagnosis speak with your physician

See your doctor: some people are highly sensitive to the well-known ability of alcohol to precipitate cardiac arrhythmias (in fact, they were known as "holiday heart" because holidays were usually associated with above-average drinking). The most common are SVTs - supraventricular arrhythmias, including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Your doctor can evaluate you. The combo of alcohol&exercise is the culprit.