Palpitations in athletes: diagnosis, workup and treatment

Abstract

Palpitations are a common reason for athletes to seek medical care. Although often benign, palpitations may serve as a harbinger for underling cardiac pathology. Given the unique challenges in this population, this review will serve to discuss the basic underlying pathophysiology, which may predispose athletes to palpitations. In addition, we will review the aetiologies, diagnostic evaluation, management and counselling strategies for some of the most common diagnoses seen in athletes.

Keywords: arrhythmias, cardiac; cardiac imaging techniques; tachycardia, supraventricular; tachycardia, ventricular; ventricular premature complexes.