A Systematic Review of Palpitations Prevalence by Menopausal Status

Abstract Purpose of the Review The purpose was to systematically review evidence on prevalence palpitations by menopausal stage. Palpitations are a feeling missed, irregular, or exaggerated heart beats. Recent Findings Carefully delineated search, screening, and data extraction strategies resulted in five articles for review. Articles offered cross-sectional findings from symptom surveys countries between 1974 2011 with clinic- community-based samples premenopausal, perimenopausal, postmenopausal women. Reported studies were good ( n = 2) fair 3) quality low moderate bias. Menopausal not focus any study but assessed as single item racing, pounding, discomfort over past 2 weeks, month, year. rates stage 3.7 40.2% 20.1 15.7 54.1% postmenopausal. Three showed that compared premenopausal women, palpitation significantly higher among perimenopausal surgically Summary Good-quality is limited suggests physiological changes menopause may play role this symptom. Measurement varied, suggesting need standardize assessment palpitations. suggest strong clinicians researchers collaborate documentation across transition.