irregular heartbeat طپش قلب

Can a healthy person have irregular heartbeat?

Many people are unaware of minor irregular heartbeats, and even completely healthy people have extra or skipped heartbeats once in a while. Palpitations are more common as you age. Usually, these occasional arrhythmias are nothing to worry about.

The main types of arrhythmia are: atrial fibrillation (AF) – this is the most common type, where the heart beats irregularly and faster than normal. supraventricular tachycardia – episodes of abnormally fast heart rate at rest. bradycardia – the heart beats more slowly than normal.

Arrhythmias or heart rhythm problems are experienced by more than 2 million people in the UK. Most people with an abnormal heart rhythm can lead a normal life if it is properly diagnosed.

The main types of arrhythmia are:

• atrial fibrillation (AF) – this is the most common type, where the heart beats irregularly and faster than normal
• supraventricular tachycardia – episodes of abnormally fast heart rate at rest
• bradycardia – the heart beats more slowly than normal
• heart block – the heart beats more slowly than normal and can cause people to collapse
• ventricular fibrillation – a rare, rapid and disorganised rhythm of heartbeats that rapidly leads to loss of consciousness and sudden death if not treated immediately

Arrhythmias can affect all age groups, but atrial fibrillation is more common in older people. Drinking alcohol in excess or being overweight increases your likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.

You may also be at risk of developing an arrhythmia if your heart tissue is damaged because of an illness – for example, if you have had a heart attack or have heart failure, or if you have had severe coronavirus (COVID-19).

Atrial fibrillation is a common cause of stroke. Having atrial fibrillation means your risk of stroke is 5 times higher than for someone whose heart rhythm is normal.

Certain types of arrhythmia occur in people with severe heart conditions, and can cause sudden cardiac death. This kills 100,000 people in the UK every year. Some of these deaths could be avoided if the arrhythmias were diagnosed earlier.

Common triggers for an arrhythmia are viral illnesses, alcohol, tobacco, changes in posture, exercise, drinks containing caffeine, certain over-the-counter and prescribed medicines, and illegal recreational drugs.

Symptoms of arrhythmias

Symptoms of arrhythmias include palpitations, feeling dizzy, fainting and being short of breath, although having these symptoms does not always mean you have a heart rhythm problem.

Arrhythmia Alliance's heart rhythm checklists can help you gather information to discuss with your GP if you have any of these symptoms.

When should you worry about heart beat?

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

chest pain. shortness of breath. feeling faint or fainting.

How serious is an irregular heart beat?

Complications depend on the type of arrhythmia. In general, complications of heart arrhythmias may include stroke, sudden death and heart failure. Heart arrhythmias are associated with an increased risk of blood clots. If a clot breaks loose, it can travel from the heart to the brain, causing a stroke.

Did Your Heart Skip a Beat?

An arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) can occur in a healthy heart, but it can also be a warning sign for heart disease.

Arrhythmia can be scary, and it’s important to know exactly what they mean. If you feel like there is something wrong with your heartbeat, or if you experience an arrhythmia that seems serious, unexpected, or accompanied by giddiness or chest pains, call emergency services or visit the A&E department.

Otherwise, read on for everything you need to know about irregular heartbeats.

What is an arrhythmia?

Usually, your heart beats at a regular rhythm, controlled by electrical activity in your body. The sinus node in your heart monitors how much blood your body needs, and sends electrical impulses that cause the chambers of your heart to contract at the correct pace for your body’s needs. Most people have a resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, which speeds up during exercise or stressful situations. That’s completely normal. An arrhythmia is a change in this rhythm, when your heart beats too fast, too slow or at an irregular pace.

What are the different types of arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia are either ventricular (starting in the lower ventricles of the heart) or supraventricular (starting outside or above the ventricles, usually in the atria, the upper chambers of the heart). Common types of arrhythmia include:

Premature atrial contractions

Also known as PACs or APCs, these are extra beats in the heart’s upper chambers.

Premature ventricular contractions

Also known as PVCs, these are very common, and are ‘skipped’ heartbeats caused by the ventricles contracting too soon.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

Also known as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), where paroxysmal means occasional, this is a rapid heartbeat of 150 – 250 beats per minute, caused by electrical impulses in the atria.

Ventricular tachycardia

Known also as V-tach, this is a rapid heart rate starting from the lower heart, where the heart is unable to fill up with enough blood.

Atrial fibrillation

This is a fast, irregular heart rhythm where the muscles or fibres in your heart twitch and contract.

Ventricular fibrillation

This is a medical emergency where the heart’s lower chambers can’t contract to pump blood.

Atrial flutter

This is similar to atrial fibrillation, but more regular. The misfired electrical signals causing an irregular heartbeat and atrial flutter often lead to atrial fibrillation.

Accessory pathway tachycardia

This is a rapid heart rate due to an extra pathway between your heart’s chambers.

Bradyarrhythmia

This is a slow heart rhythm usually caused by issues with your body’s electrical system.

Heart block

This is a problem with the speed of the impulses being sent through your heart, and in some cases a block of the impulses altogether, causing irregular heartbeats.

Symptoms of an arrhythmia

Depending on the type of arrhythmia, you might experience the following symptoms:

• Heart palpitations, which feel like fluttering, skipped or extra beats
• A pounding sensation in the chest or rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Tightness in your chest
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Fatigue or a feeling of weakness
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• In severe cases, collapse and sudden heart attack

Causes of arrhythmia

Arrhythmia can be caused by structural issues with your heart, or congenital heart defects. These include an ongoing heart attack, the scarring of heart tissue from a prior heart attack or blocked arteries in your heart.

Arrhythmia may also signal heart disease. You might be suffering from some of the previously mentioned electrical disorders, such as atrial fibrillation or heart block, alone or alongside other serious heart conditions.

Some patients suffer from something known as long QT syndrome, an electrical disorder that is often inherited, and can trigger sudden and severe arrhythmia.

In other cases, it may be due to sick sinus syndrome, a group of symptoms that demonstrate the sinus node in your heart is not functioning correctly.

In some instances, arrhythmias can also be caused by problems outside of the heart, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Thyroid disorders
• Lung disease
• Diabetes
• Infection with COVID-19
• Surgery
• Electrolyte imbalances in the blood, such as sodium or potassium
• Other acute illnesses

Other causes of an arrhythmia are stress or anxiety, smoking, high alcohol or caffeine intake, and certain medications, supplements and other stimulants like illegal drugs.

Most people will experience the sensation of a missed heartbeat or a random extra heartbeat at some point without explanation, and without any real risk to their health. However, if this happens to you often, for an extended period of time, or in conjunction with other symptoms, there may be an underlying issue.

Reference:

• gleneagles.com.sg/healthplus/article/arrhythmia-guide
• nhs.uk/conditions/arrhythmia/