When describing physical reactions to strong emotions, there are several synonyms for "someone's heart pounds/beats/thumps." These include "races," "throbs," "palpitates," and "pulses." Each conveys a slightly different level of intensity or duration of the physical reaction. "Races" implies a rapid, intense pounding, while "throbs" suggests a slower, more rhythmic beat. "Palpitates" can be used to describe a fluttering or irregular beat, and "pulses" implies a steady but forceful beat. Using these synonyms can help add variety and depth to your writing when describing intense emotions or physical sensations.
