Which lifestyle modifications should I recommend to patients experiencing palpitations?

Lifestyle modifications recommended for patients experiencing palpitations include:

• Manage and reduce cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and smoking, as these can contribute to palpitations.
• Advise weight loss and regular exercise if the patient is overweight or obese to improve cardiovascular health and reduce symptoms.
• Encourage smoking cessation to lower cardiovascular risk and potentially reduce palpitations.
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption, as alcohol can precipitate palpitations and atrial fibrillation episodes.
• Provide general lifestyle advice including stress management and avoidance of known precipitants such as excessive caffeine intake.
• Offer patient information leaflets from trusted sources like the NHS and British Heart Foundation to support understanding and self-management.

These lifestyle recommendations should be tailored to the individual’s circumstances and underlying causes of palpitations, with management directed towards treating any identified underlying condition.

Additionally, patients should be advised about driving and work restrictions if palpitations are associated with arrhythmias that may cause incapacity, following DVLA guidance.

Referral to cardiology should be considered if palpitations are recurrent, associated with structural heart disease, or if there is diagnostic uncertainty.

Overall, lifestyle advice forms an important part of managing palpitations, especially in cases of sinus tachycardia and atrial or ventricular ectopics without serious underlying heart disease.

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