Page Contents
OVERVIEW
This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of palpitations. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that we become as familiar as possible with it.
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?
Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Palpitations refer to heart palpitations or episodes where the patient begins to feel their heartbeat/becomes very aware of their heartbeat.
WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL
The differential diagnosis for palpitations can be organized in a few different ways:
- Can’t miss diagnosis
- Organ systen
- Disease category
- Diagnostic modality
- Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”
Now that the possible causes of palpitations have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with palpitations.
- Collecting the history
- Performing the physical
- Ordering studies/tests
- Intrepreting clinical data
TREATMENT
The treatment of palpitations may vary depending on the etiology of the condition, and is elaborated upon more below:
- Overview of treatments
Page Updated: 12.13.2016