Arrhythmias: What’s Up With My Heart?

In the midst of a busy day, you feel your heart beating super fast even though you’re just going to a meeting. You think it’s probably nothing.

Yet you don’t want to overlook something important. So, what’s up with your heart? It could be an abnormal heartbeat, or as clinicians say, an arrhythmia. This general term can describe any heart rhythm that’s too slow, too fast, seems to skip or just feels off – or irregular.

“A variety of factors can contribute to the development of arrhythmia,” said Jonathon C. Adams, MD, FACC, FHRS, specialist in electrophysiology and cardiovascular disease at North Central Heart, a division of Avera Heart Hospital. “Some are related to genetics, but a wide range of conditions can lead to irregular heartbeat.”

Adams said the conditions could include:

• Aging
• Regular alcohol consumption, especially in excess
• Obesity and sleep apnea
• High blood pressure
• Prior heart attack
• Congestive heart failure

Signs That Can Show Your Heart Rhythm is Off

Arrhythmia symptoms may include noticeable heart palpitations or heart pounding, dizziness, fatigue, feeling faint or loss of consciousness. They can affect people of almost any age, including kids.

The most common types of this condition are:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) – Rapid and irregular beating of the upper chambers of the heart. AF is associated with an increased risk of stroke and it’s highly correlated with aging. AF currently affects 9% of the population age 65 and older.
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) – A more-organized rapid beating of the upper chambers of the heart.
• Ventricular tachycardia (VT) – A life-threatening rapid heart rate that originates in the lower chambers of the heart.

Not All Irregular Heartbeats Are Threats

While not all arrhythmias cause harm, they should be investigated. Millions of people face arrhythmia – you could be one.

“Abnormalities in the upper chambers are less likely to be life-threatening,” said Adams.

In most cases, your primary care provider notices them using just a stethoscope or electrocardiogram. Other times, a heart monitoring device may be necessary. “Monitors can record a patient’s heart rhythm at the time of his or her symptoms,” Adams said. “You can discuss the results with your provider.”

Adams said technology can help, too, as apps on smartwatches and devices can pair with smartphones, allowing users the ability to record rhythm strips you can share with your physician.

Planet Heart

Early awareness of heart and vascular disease risk factors can help you live a healthier life by empowering you to act and make changes now. A Planet Heart screening gives you and your doctor a close look at your cardiovascular health.