Question

A 56-year-old man reports that he has palpitations but not chest pain or difficulty breathing. The blood pressure is 132/68 mm Hg, the pulse is 130/min and regular, the respiratory rate is 12 breaths/min, and the pulse oximetry reading is 95. What is the most likely cause of his palpitations?

1) Atrial fibrillation
2) Ventricular tachycardia
3) Supraventricular tachycardia
4) Sinus tachycardia

Answer 1

Sinus tachycardia is the most likely cause of the patient's palpitations, given the regular heart rate of 130/min, lack of other concerning symptoms, and normal blood pressure. Option 4 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely cause of palpitations in a 56-year-old man with a blood pressure of 132/68 mm Hg, pulse of 130/min and regular, respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min, and pulse oximetry reading of 95, without chest pain or difficulty breathing, is sinus tachycardia. Sinus tachycardia is a regular but fast heartbeat that can occur due to various factors such as fever, stress, hyperthyroidism, among others.

It is important to note that in tachycardia, the resting heart rate is above 100 bpm, which is abnormal in resting patients. However, the presence of a regular pulse and lack of other symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or chest pain points away from other forms of tachycardia, like atrial fibrillation which typically presents with an irregular rhythm, or ventricular tachycardia which could be more serious and usually presents with additional symptoms.