[Paroxysmal palpitations--presentation, diagnostics and management].

Abstract

Tachycardia is one of the most common cardiac problems of outpatients who present to general practitioners. The underlying cause is usually a supraventricular tachycardia, most of whom are benign. Knowledge of the exact mechanism and presentation of these rhythm disorders aids the physician to guide diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The ECG demonstrating the tachycardia, is the only way to prove a suspected diagnosis. Further evaluation with non-invasive and invasive diagnostic tools is not always necessary if the diagnosis can be made on the basis of presentation and ECG. Treatment includes reassuring the patient and pharmacological or catheter based therapies. Knowledge of all available treatment strategies and their exact indications is essential for safe and efficient therapy. This article outlines the presentation, diagnostics and management of the most important paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias.