Palpitation epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Akash Daswaney, M.B.B.S[2]

Scarce data is available regarding the epidemiology of palpitations.

• There is an increased incidence of palpitations in individuals with risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease, thyroid dysfunctions, psychosomatic disorders and pre-existing structural or conduction defects.

• There is an increased prevalence of palpitations in individuals with risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease, thyroid dysfunctions, psychosomatic disorders and pre-existing structural or conduction defects.

• Patients of all age groups may develop palpitations.

• There is no racial predilection to palpitations.

• Palpitations affects men and women equally.

• Scarce data is available regarding the epidemiology of palpitations.
• In some areas, studies have shown that it accounts for 16% of the symptoms in the outpatient department. ^[1]
• Some others have suggested that it was the second most common complaint following chest pain amongst patients who were referred to a cardiologist.
• Another study found that palpitations were seen more in patients with an increased number of minor daily irritants and who have an increased sensitivity to bodily sensation.
  • The same study found an increased prevalence of panic disorder (and therefore palpitations) in women of child bearing age. This was due to their increased tendency to somatize excess hypochondrial concerns they had regarding their health. ^[2]