Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Palpitation epidemiology and demographics
Introduction
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
Incidence
- 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.
Prevalence
- 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.
Age
- Patients of all age groups may develop palpitations.
Race
- There is no racial predilection to palpitations.
Gender
- Palpitations affects men and women equally.
Developing Countries
- 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]
References
References
- ↑ Raviele A, Giada F, Bergfeldt L, Blanc JJ, Blomstrom-Lundqvist C, Mont L; et al. (2011). “Management of patients with palpitations: a position paper from the European Heart Rhythm Association”. Europace. 13 (7): 920–34. doi:10.1093/europace/eur130. PMID 21697315.
- ↑ “StatPearls”. 2020. PMID 28613787.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Akash Daswaney, M.B.B.S[2]