The song was written by Iglesias, along with his long-term collaborators Jamie Scott and Mark Taylor, for his ninth studio album Euphoria (2010).

The mid-tempo ballad, produced by Taylor, features guest vocals from American singer Nicole Scherzinger.

The Rudi Wells' Open Heart Remix of the song later appeared on Scherzinger's debut studio album Killer Love (2011).

An accompanying music video features the pair in emotive mood-lit scenes, where digitally produced colored heartbeats react as they interact with each and the lyrics of the song.

[3] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic pointed out that the song had an "icy texture" while Becky Bain of Idolator noted that the duo's vocals carry much emotion.

"[2] In his review for AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine said that the song is not an old-fashioned ballad, instead it "draws on the chilly textures of [singer-songwriter/producer] Ryan Tedder.

"[7] Nick Levine of Digital Spy gave the song four out of five stars and described "the beats that mimic the pulse of a pounding chest, the simple-but-effective piano hook, the lyrics about "stealing your heart away" as cheesy.

[8] Iglesias and Scherzinger appeared together to perform the song live on UK day-time TV programme, This Morning on 8 October 2010.

[10] The overall concept of the video sees a "shirtless Iglesias against a dark black background, while red and orange 'heartbeats' are added in simulation with his heartbeat.

[11] A music video for "Heartbeat (India Mix)" was made and Nicole Scherzinger was replaced by legendary Indian singer Sunidhi Chauhan alongside Enrique for that version.

The video ends with Enrique's "heartbeat" darkening with each beat until it eventually fades out into a solid black screen.

Pulsing "heartbeat" lighting gives the impression of a laser show on their bare bodies, and Iglesias has his legs sprawled out and his head tilted back.