Palpitations

Question 1

Red flags in a palpitations Hx?

Answer 1

• Hx of ischaemic heart disease
• Structural or congenital heart disease
• FHx of sudden (cardiac) death
• Syncope/dizziness
• Dyspnoea
• Exertional symptoms

Question 2

Cardiac causes of palpitations?

Answer 2

• Sinus tachycardia
• Supraventricular/ventricular ectopic beats
• AF
• Atrial tachycardias/atrial flutter
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Pre-excitation syndromes
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Valvular heart disease
• Ischaemic heart disease
• Cardiomyopathy

Question 3

Non-cardiac causes of palpitations?

Answer 3

• Anxiety/panic disorders
• Iatrogenic
• Hyperthyroidism
• Phaeochromocytoma (rare)
• Anaemia
• Drug abuse
• Excessive caffeine intake
• Unexplained