While arrhythmia symptoms are often difficult to pinpoint, they can be warning signs of more serious problems. Some of the signs to look out for are Lightheadedness, Uncoordinated contractions, and Stroke. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of action. If you suspect you are at risk, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk. Here are some tips. If you suspect you may have arrhythmia, contact your doctor.
Lightheadedness
You may be experiencing lightheadedness as a symptom of an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias can be life-threatening. Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia. Some arrhythmias have no noticeable symptoms and may only be detected during a routine exam. You should call 911 if you feel faint or dizzy, and to seek medical treatment immediately.
A quick evaluation by a physician is essential. Arrhythmias are not all dangerous, so it’s important to avoid any kind of physical activity that may exacerbate the symptoms. It’s also important to know that you have the right type of medication for your condition. There are several tests available to diagnose your arrhythmia. For more information about arrhythmia, read about the American Heart Association’s editorial policy.
Irregular heartbeat
If you’re worried about an irregular heartbeat, you may be experiencing the signs and symptoms of arrhythmia. Fortunately, there are several ways to diagnose the problem. Your doctor may order tests, or use a cardioverter-defibrillator (AED) or pacemaker. If you have no obvious symptoms, however, your doctor may suggest a cardiac monitor or an X-ray to confirm your suspicions.
There are many things that can disrupt the electrical system in your heart. Certain medications, such as anti-depressants and herbal remedies, can cause an arrhythmia. Symptoms of arrhythmia may be triggered by certain medications or by viral infections. It’s also important to avoid certain food and drink sources, such as alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes, as these can cause an episode.
Uncoordinated contractions
If you’re experiencing rapid, unequal heartbeats, these may be the symptoms of arrhythmia. An electrical signal is circling uncoordinated in the upper chambers of the heart, which causes the atria to quiver 400 times per minute. This condition also causes the ventricles to contract out of rhythm and can be life-threatening. The signs and symptoms of arrhythmia vary from person to person, depending on their heart’s health, the severity of the disorder, and the duration of the condition. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, but it can be an indication of an arrhythmia.
Other symptoms include premature ventricular contraction, wherein one ventricle begins to beat more rapidly than the other. This results in decreased pumping power and less blood pumping out of the heart. In severe cases, ventricular dyssynchrony can cause a heart to shrink and suffer further problems with its heart rhythm. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Uncoordinated contractions are common symptoms of arrhythmia, so you’ll want to get help as soon as possible.
Stroke
While there are no specific stroke symptoms, arrhythmia can contribute to a person’s risk of having a stroke. This abnormal heart rhythm may disrupt blood flow, resulting in clots in the atrium. People with atrial fibrillation (AF) may not experience any symptoms, but others may feel a fluttering sensation above their heart or chest pain. If left untreated, an arrhythmia may cause a stroke, as blood clots block blood flow to brain tissue.
If you are at risk for stroke, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Some of the common symptoms include chest pain, an upper abdominal sensation of fullness, indigestion, chest pain, and sudden numbness in one side of the body. You may also notice changes in your mental status, including difficulty speaking or understanding others. Stroke symptoms may also occur with AFib, so it’s important to learn how to identify them.
Cardiac arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest can be a symptom of some types of arrhythmia, a condition where the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, which can cause life-threatening consequences. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur in two ways: when the heart’s rate reaches more than 100 bpm in one of the chambers, or when the heart fails to pump blood well enough. In either case, it is imperative to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Sudden cardiac arrest is commonly referred to as a “code” or a “crash.” In both cases, the heart fails to pump blood around the body, and normal breathing and consciousness cease. This is known as cardiac arrest, and it can cause death within minutes if not treated quickly. Treatment for cardiac arrest is important, because without immediate medical intervention, the chances of survival are only 50 percent.
Heart block
An irregular heartbeat is one of the most common symptoms of arrhythmia. Heart cells called atrioventricular nodes send electrical signals to the ventricles and lower chambers of the heart. When these signals are interrupted, the heart begins to beat abnormally slowly and can eventually lead to oxygen deprivation. This problem can be caused by several factors, including coronary artery disease and ageing.
Lifestyle changes can help minimize the risks of heart disease and heart block. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and minimizing alcohol and tobacco use can all lower your risk. Your healthcare provider may also recommend an electrophysiology study to help monitor your heart’s electrical activity. This type of test is also helpful in determining the root cause of heart block. During this procedure, a catheter is guided into your heart and measured to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.