The Medicine Forum

Article Title

A 73-Year-Old Female With Palpitations

Authors

Kevin M. Curl, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalsFollow
Jacqueline V. Kraft, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalsFollow
Malinda Wu, MSIII, Thomas Jefferson University
Carlos Fernandez-Ortega, MSIII, Thomas Jefferson University

Abstract

Background

Atrial fibrillation is a commonly encountered clinical problem. Although a large percentage of patients have no dearly identifiable precipitant, secondary atrial fibrillation is a well-documented clinical entity.'

Case presentation

A 73-year-old female with a history of obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents with complaints of intermittent palpitations, substernal squeezing chest pressure, and shortness ofbreath for two weeks. Her most recent episode occurred on the bus, prompting her to come to the emergency room for evaluation. Further questioning revealed mild weight loss and diarrhea over the prior few weeks. Home medications included amlodipine, baby aspirin, albuterol as needed, and ciprofloxacin for a recently diagnosed URI.

Recommended Citation

Curl, MD, Kevin M.; Kraft, MD, Jacqueline V.; Wu, MSIII, Malinda; and Fernandez-Ortega, MSIII, Carlos (2013) "A 73-Year-Old Female With Palpitations," The Medicine Forum: Vol. 14, Article 18.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29046/TMF.014.1.018
Available at: https://jdc.jefferson.edu/tmf/vol14/iss1/18