Palpitations
Everything you need to know about Palpitations - symptoms, causes, treatment options available in Australia, and when to see a doctor. Evidence-based medical information.
Palpitations: Australian Health Information
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Statistics and Prevalence in Australia
- Symptoms and Clinical Presentation
- Causes and Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Treatment Options in Australia
- Living with Palpitations
- Prevention
- References
- Expert Medical Advice with Doccy
Overview
Palpitations are sensations where an individual becomes acutely aware of their heartbeat, which may feel like pounding, fluttering, or irregular beats.
How it works in your body (pathophysiology):
Palpitations affect your body through specific biological processes:
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats): These happen when there are disruptions in the heart's normal rhythm. This is due to problems with electrical signals in the heart.
- Altered ion channel function: Ion channels (tiny gateways in cells) might not work properly. This affects how electrical signals move through the heart.
- Autonomic nervous system imbalances: The autonomic nervous system (controls involuntary actions like heartbeat) can become unbalanced. Stress, caffeine, or certain medications can make this worse.
Statistics and Prevalence in Australia
In Australia, arrhythmias, a primary cause of palpitations, affect approximately 2% of the population, translating to over 500,000 individuals. The prevalence increases with age, affecting about 5% of Australians aged 55 and older [1]. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia, accounted for over 73,000 hospitalisations in 2018-19, highlighting its significant impact on the healthcare system [1], [2].
Symptoms and Clinical Presentation
Palpitations can present with various symptoms, ranging from mild awareness of heartbeats to severe discomfort. Early symptoms often include sporadic fluttering or pounding in the chest, while advanced presentations may involve dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Red flag symptoms necessitating immediate medical attention include syncope (fainting), persistent chest pain, or palpitations associated with severe shortness of breath [3]. Differential diagnosis is crucial, as palpitations can mimic other conditions such as anxiety disorders or hyperthyroidism.
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of palpitations are multifaceted, often involving both cardiac and non-cardiac factors. Cardiac causes include arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia. Non-cardiac factors encompass lifestyle elements such as excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, stress, and certain medications. Risk factors include a family history of heart disease, existing cardiovascular conditions, and lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity [1], [3].
Diagnosis
The diagnostic approach to palpitations in Australia follows structured guidelines from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the National Heart Foundation. A comprehensive history and physical examination are essential to distinguish benign from serious causes. The gold standard for diagnosis is a 12-lead ECG captured during symptoms; however, due to the transient nature of palpitations, this is not always feasible [3]. Additional diagnostic tools include Holter monitoring, event recorders, and exercise stress tests to capture arrhythmias not evident on a standard ECG [1].
Treatment Options in Australia
Treatment of palpitations is guided by the underlying cause. For benign cases, lifestyle modifications such as reducing caffeine intake and managing stress are recommended. Pharmacological treatments may include beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs for arrhythmias. In cases of atrial fibrillation, anticoagulants may be prescribed to prevent stroke. Non-pharmacological interventions include catheter ablation for certain arrhythmias and lifestyle modifications [3]. Treatment protocols are aligned with Australian guidelines, considering Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listings for cost-effective management [1].
Living with Palpitations
Managing palpitations involves regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare providers. Patients are encouraged to adopt self-management strategies, such as keeping a symptom diary and recognising triggers. Education on lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, plays a crucial role in improving quality of life. Psychosocial support may be necessary for individuals experiencing anxiety related to their symptoms [3]. Coordination of care is vital, especially for patients with complex medical histories or those living in rural areas with limited access to specialised services [1].
Prevention
Preventing palpitations involves addressing modifiable risk factors. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol, are recommended. Stress management techniques, including mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can also be beneficial. Regular health check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels are important preventive measures [3].
Related Articles
You might also be interested in:
- High Blood Pressure - Understanding hypertension causes, symptoms, and management
- Heart Attack - Recognising heart attack symptoms and emergency response
- Chest Pain - Understanding chest pain causes and when to seek help
- Heart Failure - Managing heart failure symptoms and treatment options
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- ABS Heart, Stroke and Vascular Disease
- Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (arrhythmia)
Expert Medical Advice with Doccy
Have questions about palpitations? Choose the option that works best for you:
Subscription Service
Get on-demand questions answered any time from qualified medical practitioners. Our subscription allows us to keep track of you in the long term and be a dedicated resource for you any time of day.
✅ On-demand questions answered - Get answers when you need them
✅ Qualified medical practitioners - Expert medical advice from registered professionals
✅ Long-term health tracking - We maintain your health history for better care
✅ Dedicated resource - Available any time of day
Enterprise Solutions
For businesses: Connect with a doctor straight away about any health issues you may have in your workplace with our enterprise subscription.
One-Off Appointments
Need immediate advice? Book a single consultation with one of our qualified medical practitioners.
This article provides evidence-based medical information. Always consult qualified healthcare providers for medical concerns.