CMD - Palpitations Flashcards
definition of palpitations
awareness of the beating of the heart, may be intermittent,or sustained; regular or irregular
incidence/prevalence of palpitations
not known precisely
top cause for palpitations
a. cardiac
b. psychiatric
c. unkown
A (descending order sila)
perception of changes in the rhythm and myocardial contractility
cardiac arrhythmias
premature contractions are followed by
compensatory pause
first contraction after a pause is weak. T/F?
F; unusally strong
premature contractions are followed by a compensatory pause. First contraction after a pause may be unusually strong. This is due to increased LV vol and enhanced contractility.
what do you call this phenomenon?
postextrasystolic potentiation
Hyperdynamic cardiovascular states caused by increased catecholamine levels lead to (3)
great myocardial contractility
change in heart rate
increase in the force of contraction
Why is it easier to be aware of palpitations when a person is lying in bed, unable to sleep?
awareness of palpitations increases when there is lack of competing sensory stimuli
Plapitations due to arrhthmias maybe associated with the ff serious symptoms:
Syncope light headedness dizzinesss chest pain SOB
sustained burst of rapid heartbeats. Abrupt onset and termination after several minutes. Commonly missed on initial presentation and misdiagnosed as stress or anxiety
VT or SVT
gradual onset and termination of a pounding heartbeat
sinus tachycardia
sustained irregular rhythm
atrial fibrillation
Give 4 examples of stimulants or medications causing palpitations
tobacco coffee/caffeine tea/alcohol epinephrine/ephedrine aminophylline atropine thyroxine cocaine amphetamines
The following may cause greater myocardial contractility EXCEPT
a. thyrotoxicosis
b. hypoglycemia
c. pheochromocytoma
d. fever
e. AOTA
E
