Arrhythmia heart flutter: Does Your Heart Beat Too Frequently? A doctor explains how the symptoms might be arrhythmias
Arrhythmia heart flutter: Has your heart ever skipped a beat, raced, or fluttered without any apparent reason? Frequent abnormalities in your heartbeat should not be disregarded, even if they might sometimes be caused by stress, coffee, or excitement. Although many individuals write these feelings off as innocuous, they may be early indicators of an arrhythmia, which is characterized by an irregular, rapid, or slow heartbeat. Blood flow, oxygen levels, and general cardiac function may all be impacted by arrhythmia. Early detection of arrhythmia helps maintain the stability and rhythm of your heart by preventing further problems and facilitating prompt medical intervention.
According to medical professionals, arrhythmia often begins slowly, making it difficult for a person to become aware of the problem until more severe symptoms emerge. It may manifest as shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or an unpleasant thumping sensation in the throat or chest. One should not be momentarily alarmed by them; rather, they should be warning signs to see a physician. Understanding arrhythmia and its warning indications is crucial, as a rising number of occurrences are linked to stress, contemporary lifestyle choices, and underlying cardiac disease. Dr. Pavankumar P. Rasalkar, Consultant-Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, discusses with The Daily Jagran how skipping a heartbeat too frequently can be linked to arrhythmia and how awareness, routine examinations, and healthy habits can make all the difference.
Arrhythmia: What Is It?
The resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, and the heart beats in a steady pattern. Even while at rest, the heart rate may sometimes vary, with heart flutter falling below 60 or rising beyond 100. This disorder is referred to as arrhythmia, which includes both cardiac rhythm and heart rate fluctuations.
Some arrhythmias are benign or non-toxic, such as sinus bradycardia or sinus tachycardia. However, some arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation, may be very dangerous or life-threatening and need careful monitoring and treatment, according to Dr. Pavankumar P. Rasalkar.
Signs of an Arrhythmia
Early-stage arrhythmias may cause palpitations, lightheadedness, and dyspnea during physical activity. “In more severe stages, it can lead to sudden loss of consciousness,” says Dr. Pavankumar P. Rasalkar. Therefore, see a cardiologist if you suffer from symptoms like palpitations, giddiness, shortness, or a sensation of missing heartbeats.
Treatment for Arrhythmias
Options for Arrhythmia Treatment
When identified in their early stages, the majority of arrhythmias may be completely treated with medicine. Later on, invasive treatments are often performed with the use of radio-frequency ablation (RFA) and electrophysiological studies (EPS). By addressing the heart’s malfunctioning electrical circuits, these therapies help the heart return to its regular beat.
“Pacemaker implantation may also be necessary to regulate the heartbeat in certain arrhythmias called bradyarrhythmias, wherein the heart rate is very low,” according to Dr. Pavankumar P. Rasalkar. A pacemaker lowers the risk of fainting or sudden cardiac arrest by ensuring the heart maintains a safe and constant rhythm.
The main goal of heart health is to pay attention to your body and take appropriate action if anything seems off. The safest course of action if your heart races or skips beats too often is to see a cardiologist. With prompt diagnosis, appropriate lifestyle changes, and timely administration of prescribed medication, arrhythmia may be successfully managed.