Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of palpitations (heart palpitations). Family history Is there a history of frequent heart disease in your family? Has there been a case of sudden cardiac death or hereditary heart disease* * in your family? Social history Is there evidence of psychosocial stress (e.g., … Heart Palpitations: Medical History
Blood, blood-forming organs-immune system (D50-D90). Anemia (anemia of the blood; e.g., megaloblastic anemia). Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism). Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) Hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency) Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) Thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism with excessive hormone production). Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) Valvular heart disease, unspecified Cardiac arrhythmias (HRS) Extrasystoles (heart stumbles; heartbeat … Heart Palpitations: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin and the mucous membranes Because of possible concomitant heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) as a complication: Neck vein congestion? [Caveat (Warning)! May be absent in acute heart failure.] Edema … Heart Palpitations: Examination
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Electrolytes – potassium, magnesium Thyroid parameters – TSH Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). … Heart Palpitations: Test and Diagnosis
Therapy recommendations Therapy is based on the underlying cause. See also under “Further therapy“.
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle) – for basic diagnosis. Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Exercise ECG – in the presence of risk factors and from the age … Heart Palpitations: Diagnostic Tests
Therapy for palpitations (heart palpitations) depends on the cause. General measures Nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco use) – smoking cessation if necessary. Limited caffeine consumption (max. 240 mg caffeine per day; equivalent to 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 4 to 6 cups of green/black tea). Alcohol abstinence in the evening – especially in … Heart Palpitations: Therapy
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate palpitations (heart palpitations): Leading symptoms Too fast heartbeat Too strong heartbeat Irregular heartbeat These symptoms are felt by the affected person himself. The symptoms may be intermittent (intermittent) or persistent. Warning signs (red flags) Sudden tachycardia (heartbeat too fast: > 100 beats per minute) as well as vertigo … Heart Palpitations: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
