Palpitations

Question 1

Can palpitation occur in bradycardia?

Answer 1

yes

palpitation can occur in bradycardia, tachycardia and during rest with normal cardiac rate

Question 2

Does the presence of palpitation indicate serious underlying pathology?

Answer 2

No, most occur sporadically and resolve spontaneously

Question 3

Cause of uncomplicated palpitation?

Answer 3

exercise, caffeine, anxiety, anaemia

Question 4

3 mechanisms of palpitation causes?

Answer 4

1) arrhythmias, disruption in the normal conduction of the impulses, AF, supraventricular tachycardia, heart block
2) Hyperdynamic circulation, valvular incompetence and thyrotoxicosis, hypercapnia, anaemia, pregancy can cause increased stroke volume
3) increased sympathetic drive, due to panic attacks, hypoxia

Question 5

cardiac causes of palpitation

Answer 5

regular
rapid: SVT, VT, atrial flutter, sinus tachycardia

slow: bradycardia, heartblock

irregular
persistent: AF, heart block (Wenckebach, complete)

   intermittent: ectopic beats, paroxysm AF

Question 6

palpitation associated symptoms

Answer 6

SOB
dizziness
blackout
nausea
anxiety

red flags: chest pain, syncopy(poor cerebral perfusion due to tachyarrhythmis or complete heart block))

Question 7

causes of AF

Answer 7

hypertension
infection(pneumonia, pericarditis)
ischaemic heart disease
mitral valve disease
throtoxicosis
alcohol
cardiomyopathy
ventricular hypertrophy

Question 8

what sort of drugs can lead to to palpitation

Answer 8

cold and cough remedies (containg ephedrine)

tricyclic antidepressants
theophylline
phenothiazines
antihistimine
verapramil

Question 9

how does alcohol cause palpitation?

Answer 9

it depletes body’s magnesium which plays a vital role in regulating heartbeat