Palpitations and arrhythmia

Palpitations are symptoms of a noticeable heartbeat, and they can feel like a fluttering, forceful, or sinking feeling in the chest. Due to their nature, many patients present with fears of a serious underlying cardiac disorder, leading to heightened anxieties and concern; as such, the role of the general practitioner is to differentiate between those with benign symptoms (offering reassurance in the process), and those who require further investigation in secondary care. This article aims to assist in this decision-making process, highlighting important clinical findings from the history, examination and investigations, as well as the most up-to-date referral and lifestyle-related guidelines.