3 Irregular Heartbeat Causes to Be Worried About
Skipping a heartbeat is not always a symptom of being in love; sometimes, it can be a heart arrhythmia. In this condition, an individual experiences irregular heartbeats. Some heart arrhythmias are not something to worry about. Now, if you're wondering, "When should I be worried about an irregular heartbeat?" carry on reading this blog to find out.
What Causes Irregular Heartbeat?
You might feel like your heart is beating out of its usual rhythm when it is either too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). It is also possible that you feel no indications of this condition. In addition, healthy hearts are also susceptible to arrhythmia. But some causes of irregular heartbeat include:
- Heart disease
- Infection or fever
- Electrolyte imbalance in your blood
- Heart injury
- Reduced blood flow
- Stiff heart tissue
- Medications
- Issues with the heart's electrical signals
- Healing or recovery following a heart surgery
- Strong emotions
- Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, or other things in your daily life
When to be Worried About an Irregular Heartbeat
Everyone feels the "flutters" at least once, but they're usually due to behavioral causes or some other harmless reason. But you need to visit a Cardiologist if your palpitations or arrhythmia symptoms last more than a few seconds. In addition, people with heart problems should not take irregular heartbeat lightly. Other than this, some kinds of irregular heartbeat you should be worried about are:
Atrial Fibrillation or AFib
Men, older people, and heart patients might experience an irregular heartbeat that affects their heart's ability to pump blood. Known as Atrial Fibrillation, this condition requires urgent medical attention. Otherwise, it will only get worse.
Ventricular Tachycardia or VT
A fast heartbeat from the lower chambers of an individual's heart is called ventricular tachycardia. This condition resolves by itself. Plus, the individual only experiences it for a brief time. Still, it can result in cardiac arrest if it persists. Your cardiologist will decide on a suitable treatment depending on your situation. The risk factors for VT include:
- Heart failure
- Cardiomyopathies
- A prior heart attack
Ventricular Fibrillation or VFib
Some people experience Ventricular Fibrillation when the heart transmits disorganized signals. Consequently, the lower heart chambers can twitch uselessly. This condition can stop the heart from pumping blood to the rest of the body. Since VFib puts the patient at risk of cardiac arrest and sudden death, it needs to be treated immediately.
When an Irregular Heartbeat Isn't Dangerous But Needs to Be Monitored
Some causes of irregular heartbeat aren't dangerous, but you should see your heart specialist regularly if they occur. These include:
- When the bottom of your heart has an early heartbeat, known as Premature Ventricular Contraction. See your doctor if this happens a lot since it can cause reversible damage to the heart. Plus, it can bring additional symptoms as well.
- When your heart beats too fast, known as tachycardia. Although it is usually not dangerous, you should still check in with a good heart doctor to ensure
What Should I Do?
Now that you're aware of when to be worried about an irregular heartbeat make sure not to neglect the symptoms. Our North West Cardiologist team is always looking forward to helping you. Dial (281) 807 5253 to schedule an appointment.
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