The disease affects tens of millions of people worldwide.
But while an abnormal heart rhythm, known medically as an arrhythmia, can cause common symptoms that are usually harmless, the condition can be deadly.
There are many types of arrhythmias – from a very fast heart rate of up to 300 beats per minute to a slow heart rate below 60 beats per minute.
It was announced on Saturday that British presenter Paul O’Grady had died of the disease. He had suffered three heart attacks in the years before his death.
From a “chattering” feeling in your chest to feeling like your heart has missed a beat, there are signs of an arrhythmia to look out for.
From a “chattering” feeling in your chest to feeling like your heart has missed a beat, there are signs of an arrhythmia to look out for
The heart’s conduction system emits electrical impulses that trigger a heartbeat that is usually between 60 and 80 beats per minute. But some people have a faster or slower heartbeat.
An arrhythmia, when there is a problem with this system that causes the heart to beat too slowly, too fast, or irregularly.
These anomalies can range from a minor inconvenience to fatal.
In people with heart disease, certain types of arrhythmias can cause sudden cardiac arrhythmias – which kill about 500 people in the UK and 325,000 in the US each year.
The NHS says it’s not always possible to prevent an arrhythmia, but living a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of developing heart disease.
fluttering in your chest
dr Ayyaz Sultan, a consultant cardiologist at Pall Mall Medical, said an arrhythmia can mean your heart gets out of its normal rhythm, either occasionally or permanently.
The main warning sign of an arrhythmia is palpitations – an awareness of your heartbeat.
Palpitations can be a “fluttering” in your chest that feels like you have butterflies there.
Heart skips a beat
It can also feel like your heart skipped a beat or missed a beat.
This symptom is caused by choice signals going out of the wrong place at the wrong time, causing the heart to beat out of rhythm.
Those who have this symptom tend to experience an early heartbeat because the heart contracts before the ventricles — the chambers where blood collects — have had time to fill with blood.
As a result, little or no blood is pushed into the body.
This means people don’t feel that contraction as a heartbeat, while the next beat feels stronger as extra blood is pushed out.
dizziness
Lightheadedness or dizziness can be a telltale sign of an arrhythmia.
When your heart isn’t working properly, the rest of your body — including your brain — may not be getting enough blood.
The dizziness is caused by this decrease in blood flow to the brain.
Paul O’Grady died at his home in Kent on March 28 at the age of 67 after suffering a cardiac arrest
fainting
Sudden loss of consciousness is often the first sign of an irregular heartbeat.
Sufferers are not usually unconscious for long – just a few seconds or minutes.
However, experts warn that this is a serious symptom, and those who pass out frequently or have other symptoms should see their doctor.
breathlessness
Shortness of breath is common in patients with arrhythmias.
The symptom can be difficult for sufferers to explain, as it can include shortness of breath, chest tightness, and fatigue from walking.
Because the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen to fuel its activities, and the lack of oxygen can make you gasp to make up for it.
chest pain
The chest may feel tight, sore, or sharp due to an abnormal heartbeat.
The feeling can spread to your back and arms.
The cause can be harmless, such as heartburn, but also an arrhythmia or a heart attack.
But palpitations aren’t always a cause for concern as it can be caused by a whole range of things.
dr Sultan said, “You could have palpitations even if your heart is healthy.”
“They can be caused by abnormal cardiac electrical pathways, heart muscle disease, an electrolyte imbalance in your blood, medications — certain antibiotics, antidepressants, stimulant treatments for ADHD — or lifestyle choices such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, recreational drug abuse. Heartburn and exercise,” he explained.
Palpitations have also been observed in long covid patients.
However, if left untreated, an arrhythmia can be fatal and lead to serious problems such as heart failure, stroke or cardiac arrest.
“Drugs can be used to treat an irregular heart rhythm,” added Dr. Sultan added.
“Depending on the type and origin of the arrhythmia, treatment may include medical treatment, cardioversion, or an invasive form of investigation or treatment.”
However, he emphasizes that the “key point” is that while an arrhythmia can be serious, “it can also be an on-off event and is not a cause for concern,” so it’s best to see a doctor if you notice any symptoms .
Paul O’Grady died of an abnormal heart rhythm, according to his death certificate.
The 67-year-old died at his home in Kent on March 28 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
He had been open about his struggles with heart disease and had three heart attacks between 2002 and 2014.
Discussion about this post