Symptom Finder - Palpitations
Palpitations
Outside of examining the heart for an arrhythmia or murmur, there are a few additional things a physician should do. First, it is necessary to check for an enlarged thyroid, exophthalmos, tremor, and diaphoresis—all findings that would point to hyperthyroidism. Remember, ingesting large amounts of caffeinated beverages can also produce tachycardia, diaphoresis, and tremor.
Next, the clinician should take the blood pressure in the recumbent and upright position to rule out postural hypotension before initiating an
expensive diagnostic workup with Holter monitoring or psychometric testing. The author recommends that the patient obtain an inexpensive
electronic sphygmomanometer and check the blood pressure and pulses twice daily at home for a week; this might pick up a pheochromocytoma or cardiac arrhythmia.
Outside of examining the heart for an arrhythmia or murmur, there are a few additional things a physician should do. First, it is necessary to check for an enlarged thyroid, exophthalmos, tremor, and diaphoresis—all findings that would point to hyperthyroidism. Remember, ingesting large amounts of caffeinated beverages can also produce tachycardia, diaphoresis, and tremor.
Next, the clinician should take the blood pressure in the recumbent and upright position to rule out postural hypotension before initiating an
expensive diagnostic workup with Holter monitoring or psychometric testing. The author recommends that the patient obtain an inexpensive
electronic sphygmomanometer and check the blood pressure and pulses twice daily at home for a week; this might pick up a pheochromocytoma or cardiac arrhythmia.
