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Overveiw

Palpitations are one of the most common complains of patients when visiting a physician. The causes of palpitations can range from benign (most common) to life-threatening conditions if not managed properly. Palpitations are described differently by each patient, usually as an uncomfortable awareness of rapid, pounding heart beats, but also described as flip-flopping of the chest, rapid fluttering in the chest or pounding in the neck. The diagnosis is made by a detailed history, physical examination and a surface 12-lead EKG. The management of palpitations consists in treating the underlying cause.

Causes

Life-Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.

• Acute coronary syndrome
• Malignant hypertension
• Myocardial infarction
• Third degree AV block
• Ventricular arrhythmia

Focused Initial Rapid Evaluation

A Focused Initial Rapid Evaluation (FIRE) should be performed to identify patients in need of immediate intervention.

Complete Diagnostic Approach

A complete diagnostic approach should be carried out after a focused initial rapid evaluation is conducted and following initiation of any urgent intervention.

Characterize the symptoms: ❑ Flip-flopping of the chest: (suggestive of extrasystole) ❑ Rapid fluttering of the chest: (suggestive of Tachycardia) ❑ Pounding in the neck: (suggestive of AVRT and AVNRT) ❑ Pulsation palpitations (suggestive of structural heart disease) ❑ Anxiety-related palpitations

Inquire about drug that can cause palpitations: ❑ Sympathicomimetic agent inhalers (asthmatic patients) ❑ Vasodilators ❑ Anticholinergics ❑ Hydralazine ❑ Whithdrawl of beta-blockers ❑ Alcohol ❑ Cocaine ❑ Heroin ❑ Amphetamines ❑ Caffeine ❑ Nicotine ❑ Cannabis ❑ Synthetic drugs

Obtain a detailed past medical hystory:

Examine the patient: Vitals ❑ Pulse ❑ Blood pressure ❑ Respiratory rate Face ❑ Neck ❑ ❑ Respiratory ❑ Cardiovascular ❑ ❑ ❑ Neurologic ❑ ❑

Order labs and tests: ❑ ECG ❑ Electrolytes ❑ TSH ❑ Cardiac enzymes

Order imagin studies ❑ Chest x-ray

References

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