How to approach and manage palpitations in clinical practice

Abstract

Palpitations are a common and often anxiety-provoking symptom for people who present in primary care. While many cases are benign, some indicate significant cardiac arrhythmia with potential haemodynamic compromise, highlighting the need for structured evaluation and timely intervention. This review provides health professionals with a practical, evidence-informed framework for the assessment, investigation and management of patients presenting with palpitations, integrating current guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the European Society of Cardiology.