Palpitations

As a medical student, this is actually one of the simplest histories to take. The reason is that apart from the heart, there are few things which can cause palpitations. Nevertheless, what we do have to concentrate on is taking a really detailed account of the presenting complaint – specifically when do the palpitations start, what brings them on, are they there all the time etc. In addition, we have to screen for cardiovascular and breathing symptoms, as these are connected to the heart.

So what specific systems should we screen for?‌

• Cardiovascular–> Chest pain, loss of consciousness
• Respiratory –> Breathlessness

So after checking the cardiovascular and respiratory system, remember to screen for the red flag symptoms in the general systems review. But apart from that, stick to the structure and you will obtain a thorough, comprehensive history.

Introduction

• Good afternoon, my name is _______ and I am one of the student doctors here. Is it _______(patient’s name)?
• I just wanted to ask you some questions about how you are feeling and what has brought you in to see the doctor today, and then I’ll take that information, relay it to the consultant and we can go from there.
• Before I start, are you comfortable or would you likely me to get you anything? Do you mind if I take a seat?
• So, what has brought you in to see the doctor today?

(P) Presenting Complaint

• Summarise patient’s answer and ask first screening question) – Apart from this, have you noticed anything else?
• (Ask second screening question) – Ok, anything else?
• (Ask third screening question) – Before talking more about your [symptom], are there any other symptoms?
• (Last screening question) – Are you sure that there is nothing else?
• (Once we are sure there are no other questions, we can now address each symptom in turn) – Now I just want to ask some questions about the symptoms you have been feeling? Go through each symptom using OATES or SOCRATES for pain

• Palpitations – Ok, so you mentioned that you have experienced some palpitations, can you tell me a little bit more?

• Shortness of breath – Can you tell me a little bit more about this?

(I) Ideas, Concerns, Expectations

• Ok, you have been feeling these symptoms for some time, do you have any idea of what it could be?
• Are you particularly concerned about anything?
• What were you hoping to get out of the visit today?

(S) Systems Review

• (In response to them telling you their expectation from today’s visit) Ok, in order to do that, first I would like to ask you a few more specific questions just to get a more accurate picture of why you might be experiencing these symptoms.

Specific Systems Review

• Cardiovascular:
  Have you lost consciousness?
  Have you experienced any chest pain?

• Respiratory
  Have you experienced any breathlessness?

General Systems Review: (Ask general questions to rule out red flags):

(Fever) Have you got a fever?

(Glands) Have you got any swollen glands?

(Weight) Have you noticed any weight loss?

(Appetite) Have you noticed any changes in your appetite?

(Bowels) Have you experienced any changes in your bowel movements?

(Waterworks) Are your waterworks all fine?

(Tired) Have you been feeling more tired than usual?

(Travel) Have you travelled anywhere recently?

(Night sweats) Do you wake up in the night drenched in sweat?

(Rash) Have you got any rashes?

(If woman, and abdominal pain, enquire about pregnancy) Are you on the contraceptive pill? Is there a chance you could be pregnant?

(P) Past Medical History

• And now, about your health in general, have you ever seen your doctor about something like this before?
• Do you have any other medical conditions, such as diabetes, blood pressure or asthma?
• Have you ever had any surgeries?
• Have you ever been admitted into hospital before?

(F) Family History

• Is there any incidence of heart conditions in your family?
• Are there any other conditions which run in your family?

(D) Drug History

• Are you currently taking any prescribed medication?
• Do you take anything else, over the counter?
• Do you have any allergies?

(S) Social History

• (Work) And now, a little but more about yourself in general, do you work at the moment? What do you do?
• (Home) Do you live with any family or friends? Are you married? Do you have any children?
• (Independence) Would you say that you are fairly independent?

And now these are some questions that we ask everyone:

• Do you smoke? (Have you ever smoked? / When did you start? / How many a day?)
• Do you drink? (How much a week? And for how long?)​
• Is there any recreational drug use?