An irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, is a condition where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. It happens when a disturbance in the heart’s electrical system controls the heart rate and rhythm. It can cause various symptoms, including palpitations, dizziness or fainting, and shortness of breath. While occasional irregular heartbeats can be shared and harmless, if you notice them frequently, they may indicate an underlying medical condition.
There are many causes of abnormal heart rhythms. Most people feel these changes when they have a heart attack. Still, arrhythmias can also be caused by other conditions such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, thyroid problems, lung diseases, electrolyte imbalances, etc. Some arrhythmias are more severe than others, but most people can lead an everyday life with treatment.
A normal heartbeat is when your heart beats in a regular rhythm, 60 to 100 times per minute, sending blood to the body and lungs. Your heart rate can increase during exercise, as it has to work harder to supply enough oxygen to your muscles. Some people have a resting heart rate that is higher than average due to health conditions or taking certain medicines, and this is also common.
Irregular heartbeats are when you feel a skipped or extra beat, a rapid or irregular beat that feels like your heart is skipping a beat or racing. Everyone has these feelings occasionally, and they are usually nothing to worry about. However, if these episodes occur regularly and cause other symptoms like fatigue, lightheadedness, or fainting, you must see your doctor.
Several tests can be used to diagnose and treat arrhythmias. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, do a physical examination, and run some tests to find out what is causing your irregular heartbeats. These may include a Holter monitor, which records your heart rhythm over 1 to 2 days, an event recorder, or an implantable loop recorder.
Once your doctor has diagnosed the arrhythmia, they can recommend treatments to restore a normal heart rhythm. These may include medicine, a pacemaker, or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Some patients also benefit from ablation therapy to help prevent future episodes. This involves creating scar tissue around areas of the heart to block the spread of abnormal electrical signals.
The best way to manage your heart rhythm is to identify the triggers, take any prescribed medication, and make healthy lifestyle changes, such as getting plenty of exercises, eating a heart-healthy diet with fish, fruits, and vegetables, controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, avoiding alcohol and stopping smoking.
Most arrhythmias are temporary and will go away on their own. However, you must visit your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms or have a family history of heart disease.
