Palpitations are a common, subjective symptom resulting in frequent presentations in the primary health care setting. Although generally benign, they can occasionally be a manifestation of a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia. Appropriate evaluation is therefore required. Dr Tim Gattorna, Cardiologist Cardiac or arrhythmic causes are the most common aetiology. Other causes include medical conditions (e.g. endocrine and metabolic abnormalities), psychiatric disorders, medication effects, and drug or other substances. It is important not to label a patient’s palpitations as secondary to panic/anxiety without a proper evaluation, as around 50% of this group will be diagnosed with an arrhythmic cause. A targeted and…
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