Palpitation

Palpitation is a symptom defined as unpleasant awareness of the heartbeat and is typically described by patients as a disagreeable sensation of pulsation or movement in the chest or adjacent areas. Palpitations can be due to cardiac arrhythmias or a broad range of other disorders. This chapter addresses the differential diagnosis of palpitations as well as the main causes, the specific clues indicating the presence and nature of an arrhythmia, diagnostic tests, therapies available, prognosis, and dealing with uncertainty.