An abnormal heart rhythm is when your heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This is also called an arrhythmia.
The intricate system of chambers, nodes, and valves in the heart regulates when and how the blood is pumped. Your heart’s rhythm may alter if this crucial system’s operations are impaired, harmed, or compromised.
Arrhythmias might go undetected, or you could experience pain, fluttering, discomfort, or pounding in your chest.
Not all arrhythmias are dangerous or have negative effects on health. However, you should inform your doctor of any aberrant cardiac rhythm just to be safe.
Abnormal Heartbeat
What signs or symptoms indicate an irregular cardiac rhythm?
You may encounter some or all of the following signs and symptoms if your heart rhythm is abnormal:
- feeling faint, dizzy, or light-headed
- shortness of breath
- irregular pulse or heart palpitations
- chest pain
- pale skin
- sweating
What causes abnormal heart rhythms?
An irregular heartbeat can result from a variety of factors, including excessive blood pressure. Other typical causes include:
Cardiovascular disease
The coronary arteries become blocked by deposits of cholesterol and other substances, which is a dangerous cardiac condition.
Other causes
A number of other factors can also cause alterations in your heart’s rhythm. These include:
- Changes in your heart’s muscle after illness or injury
- Healing after heart surgery
- Low potassium and other electrolytes
- Abnormalities of the heart
- Other health conditions
What are the risk factors for abnormal heart rhythms?
The risks for arrhythmia include:
- Smoking
- Previous heart conditions, or a family history of heart conditions
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Being overweight
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- A diet high in fats, cholesterol, and other unhealthy foods
- High blood pressure or other health problems
- Excessive use of alcohol (more than two drinks per day)
- Drug misuse
- Sleep apnea