Palpitaitons

Question 1

What are palpitations?

Answer 1

Aware of heart beat, rapid, strong or irregular

Question 2

What drugs cause palpitations?

Answer 2

Levothyroxine
INhaled beta 2 agonists - salbutamol
Drugs that prolong the QT interval on ECG eg macrolide antibiotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics
Cocacine, heroin, ecstasy, amphetamines, stimulants

Question 3

Systemic causes of palpitations

Answer 3

Hyperthyroidism
Hyperlipidemia
Hypothyroidism (if over treated with levothyroxine)
Diabetes
Prev PCI
CABG
MI
Menopause
Hyperdynamuc states - pregnancy, high fecer, infection
Hypovolaemia
Any cause presyncope
Phaeochromocytoma
Familial HPTN
AF, SV tachycardia

Question 4

Cardiac causes of palpitiations

Answer 4

• Sinus tachycardia
  
  • Normal, anxiety, infection
    -AF
    -Atrial ectopics
• SVT
• Ventricular Tachycardia
• Atrial ectopic beats - normal
• Ventricular ectopic beats - common in healthy people
• SVT

Question 5

History for palpitations

Answer 5

Rate, rhythm + character

Duration

Ass symtpoms -

• Cough
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
  -SOB
• Slurred speech
  -Syncope
• Loss of consciousness - RED FLAG
  
  • Dangerous arrythmias
• Nausea?
• Triggers
• Frequency
• Medications