That sudden, fleeting sensation of the heart skipping a beat,often attributed to love or excitement,might be more than just a romantic cliché. For some, it could be a sign of an underlying heart condition known as arrhythmia. This irregular heartbeat can be a harbinger of more serious health issues, making it essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Let's explore the fascinating world of heart rhythms and uncover the facts about arrhythmia, helping you distinguish between a harmless flutter and a potential health concern with our expert,Dr Anshul Kumar Gupta, Interventional cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Jaipur.
When Your Heart Skips a Beat: Understanding the Signs of Arrhythmia
It's a feeling that might give you a feeling of tingling in your chest, a skipped beat, or an unexpected speeding heartbeat. While these feelings are usually harmless, they can be symptoms of arrhythmia, a disorder in which the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly.
A heart arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. It occurs when the electrical signals that cause the heart to beat do not function properly. The heart may beat too rapidly or too slowly. Or the pattern of the heartbeat may be inconsistent. Understanding what arrhythmia is, and when it signals a deeper problem, is key to protecting your heart health.
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
While some arrhythmias go undetected, others cause obvious and even severe symptoms. People may have racing heartbeats, as well as skipped or additional beats. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and inexplicable weariness are all prevalent symptoms. In more serious conditions, people may have chest pain, shortness of breath, or even fainting. These symptoms should not be ignored. If they continue or worsen, especially if they are followed by chest pain or loss of consciousness, seek medical assistance right away, as they could indicate a dangerous arrhythmia or an underlying heart problem.
Causes of Arrhythmia
Arrhythmias can have many causes, including:
- Heart disease or prior heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Blocked arteries in the heart
- Diabetes
- Sleep Apnea
- Stress or anxiety
- Overactive thyroid
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In some cases, arrhythmias occur without any clear cause, especially in younger, healthy individuals.
When it becomes dangerous?
Not all arrhythmias are dangerous and occasional extra beats are often harmless. However, severe arrhythmias can lead to stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest. Conditions like AFib raise stroke risk significantly. In advanced cases, catheter ablation may be recommended, where targeted heart tissue causing abnormal rhythms is destroyed using heat or cold energy to restore normal heartbeat.
A skipped beat or temporary flutter is not usually cause for concern, but abnormalities that occur frequently or persistently should not be overlooked. Understanding the symptoms of arrhythmia and seeking prompt medical attention can make a significant difference in sustaining heart health—and peace of mind.
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