Does your heart sometimes behave erratically? A sudden flutter, a racing pulse, or an unusually loud heartbeat, even when you are not doing any strenuous activity and simply sitting, can feel deeply unsettling and anxiety-inducing. Many people do not think much of it and dismiss it as stress, fatigue or too much coffee. But subtle changes in the heart should not be ignored.
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In some cases, these irregular beats may point to arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly because of a disruption in its electrical signals. To understand what these unusual heartbeats can mean, why they happen and when they require medical attention, HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Brajesh Kumar Mishra, HOD and consultant, cardiology at Manipal Hospitals, Gurugram, who explained the signs, causes, and treatment options for arrhythmia.
What is arrhythmia?
Let's medically understand what causes the heart to beat erratically. The cardiologist described, “An arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart’s rhythm is disrupted when electric signals that tell the heart to beat don’t work the way they should, because of this, the heart may beat too fast, too slow or just irregularly.”
So, how does arrhythmia feel? To which he explained that people may feel like their heart is racing, fluttering, pounding, skipping beats or adding extra beats.
Arrhythmia does not always appear out of nowhere. The doctor noted it may be linked to high blood pressure, stress, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, and certain medications. In some cases, it may also be triggered by lifestyle habits or temporary imbalances in the body, making it important to identify and address the root cause early.
Major signs:
Recognising these signs early is important, as timely medical evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate course of treatment. The cardiologist outlined these signs:
- Heart palpitations: A noticeable sensation of the heart racing, pounding, or skipping beats, often felt in the chest or throat without any obvious trigger.
- Dizziness or light-headedness: A feeling of unsteadiness or near fainting that may occur suddenly, particularly during movement or after standing up.
- Fainting episodes: Brief loss of consciousness caused by a temporary drop in blood flow to the brain, which may occur without warning.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing or a sense of not getting enough air, even during routine activities or while at rest.
- Chest discomfort: A feeling of pressure, tightness, or uneasiness in the chest that may come and go and should not be ignored.
- Weakness or fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy that interferes with daily activities despite adequate rest.
Diagnosis
For diagnosis, Dr Mishra recommended getting tests done like ECG, blood tests, echocardiogram, CT scan, MRI, and stress testing to identify the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the severity and may involve procedures like cardioversion, the use of devices such as an ICD or a biventricular pacemaker, and, in certain cases, surgeries like valve repair or coronary artery bypass to correct the root issue. It is better to address it on time, otherwise one is at risk of complications like weakening of the heart muscle, heart failure, or even cardiac arrest.
Steps to lower the risk
In order to prevent this heart condition, the cardiologist urged to follow these steps:
- Limit the intake of alcohol and tobacco products.
- Stop using caffeine. This includes tea, coffee, colas and some over-the-counter medications.
- Manage high blood pressure and sugar levels.
- Work toward a weight that’s healthy.
- Treat sleep apnea
- Get regular physical activity.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.