TOC  | D-Dx    

Palpitations Differential -  Outlines in Clinical Medicine on Physicians' Online 2001

A. Cardiac (43%)

1. Atrial Fibrillation  or flutter
2. Other SVT
3. Premature Ventricular Beats  PVC or Premature Atrial Beats PAC
4. Ventricular Tachycardia
5. Mitral Valve Prolapse
6. Other Cardiac Abnormalities

B. Psychiatric (30%)

1. Pannic Attack
2. Anxiety
3. Panic with anxiety with somatization

C. Miscellaneous

1. Medications: Theophylline , ß-adrenergic agonists - bronchodilators and inotropic agents , Amphetamines  , High dose anticholinergic agents
2. Thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism)
3. Caffeine
4. Cocaine
5. Other identified causes
6. Unknown (~16%)

References:

1. Weber BE and Kapoor WN. 1996. Am J Med. 100(2):138
2. Zimetbaum P and Josephson ME. 1998. NEJM. 338(19):1369

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