Palpitations: reassurance or more?

Palpitations are a common symptom and are caused by forceful or rapid beating of the heart. Palpitations can be caused by a variety of cardiac arrhythmias and careful history is invaluable in deciding appropriate investigations and management. Palpitations caused by anxiety-induced sinus tachycardia are common, but anxiety is also common in patients who have cardiac arrhythmias for which effective treatment is available. Management of palpitations depends on the type of cardiac arrhythmia; almost all arrhythmias can now be effectively treated. Radiofrequency ablation provides an effective cure for most patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia when the alternative is continuous drug therapy.