frequency

Last reviewed 01/2018

The more frequent and the longer the duration of the palpitations the bigger is the impact on the life and health of the patient.

Classify patients into four categories:

I - no symptoms, no risk of sudden death, no heart dilatation

II - no symptoms, risk of sudden death or heart dilatation

III - symptoms e.g. pain or anxiety or dilated heart but no syncope and no aborted sudden death

IV - syncope or aborted sudden death

Class I may may not need treatment. Class IV need immediate diagnosis and treatment. Classes II and III are of intermediate urgency.