Causes of Irregular Heartbeat You Should Understand

People of all ages can develop heart rhythm disorders, commonly referred to as arrhythmias. The most common causes of irregular heartbeat include cardiovascular illness, thyroid disease, lifestyle, environmental factors, and genetic factors. Certain types of arrhythmias occur in persons with serious heart problems and can result in abrupt cardiac death. Some of these deaths could have been prevented if the arrhythmias had been detected earlier.

Common Causes of Irregular Heartbeat

Heart rhythm issues can arise when the electrical signals that stimulate the heart’s pumping activity are disrupted. This could be the outcome of a heart rhythm disorder such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). An irregular heartbeat can be caused by the following factors: –

• • Elevated blood pressure.
  • Heart disease which includes clogged arteries and coronary heart disease.
  • Cardiac valve disease.
  • Heart attack or damage caused by a previous heart attack.
  • Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome.
  • Structural alterations in the heart.
  • Diabetes.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Thyroid issues.
  • Electrolyte imbalances exist in the body.

Other factors include: –

• • Medications.
  • Viruses.
  • Coffee.
  • Alcohol.
  • Smoking
  • Certain drugs.

Lifestyle Factors That Trigger Irregular Heartbeats

Certain choices about your life might increase or decrease your risk of developing an irregular heartbeat.

Alcohol use in excessive quantities, particularly binge drinking, increases the risk of arrhythmias. Even small amounts of alcohol can be one of the causes of irregular heartbeat in certain persons.

Illegal drugs, including cocaine and other street drugs, can cause or worsen the condition.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Developing an Irregular Heartbeat

If you are at high risk of developing arrhythmias, your doctor may advise you to take certain preventive measures.

If you are at least 45 years old, consult your doctor about getting a heart health checkup. You should have a recheck every two years.

If you are aware that you have a heart condition, you should do the following: –

• • Take your medicines and treatments exactly as directed.
  • Be alert for any symptoms and notify your doctor.

Here are some suggestions to lower your risk of heart disease: –

• • Maintain a healthy body weight and waist circumference.
  • Maintain your level of physical activity.
  • Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Reduce your alcohol intake.
  • Maintain proper blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
  • Get adequate sleep.

How Irregular Heartbeat Is Diagnosed

To diagnose an arrhythmia, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, lifestyle habits, and other causes of irregular heartbeat. Your doctor will also conduct a physical exam, which could involve the following steps:

• • Swelling in your legs or feet may indicate an enlarged heart or heart failure.
  • Checking your pulse to see how quickly your heart is pounding.
  • Listen to the pace and rhythm of your heartbeat.
  • Listening for heart murmurs.
  • Look for symptoms of other disorders, such as thyroid disease, that may be causing arrhythmias.

Diagnostic Testing

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most common test used to diagnose arrhythmia. An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of your heart. Your doctor may do an ECG during a stress test, which monitors your heart’s activity when it is working hard and beating quickly.

Blood tests detect the presence of specific compounds in the blood, such as potassium, other electrolytes, and thyroid hormone. 

An electrophysiology study (EPS), which is carried out by an EPS cardiologist, evaluates the electrical activity in your heart. If you have another illness that increases your risk, an EPS can assist your doctor in determining your chance of having arrhythmias.

Heart imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can evaluate the anatomy of your heart chambers. Additionally, indicate how well your heart is operating, look for scar tissue in your heart muscle, and, in some cases, examine your heart arteries.

Treatment Options for Irregular Heartbeat

 The treatment for a cardiac rhythm disorder varies depending on the type and causes of irregular heartbeat.

Many people may require no treatment at all or merely routine check-ups.

Potential therapies include the following: –

• • Treatment options include beta blockers to regulate heart rate and rhythm, as well as ablation, which involves freezing or burning the affected area of the heart.
  • Use electrical signals to restore your heart rhythm (cardioversion).
  • Pacemaker implantation is the placement of a small electronic device under the skin to monitor and correct your heart rhythm.

You may also require specific treatment for any conditions that are causing your heart rhythm issues.

When to Consult a Doctor for Heart Palpitations

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service suggests seeking medical attention if: 

• • Heart palpitations persist or worsen.
  • They last more than a few minutes.
  • You’ve got a cardiac condition.
  • Your family history includes heart problems.

Meanwhile, people who experience heart palpitations and exhibit the following symptoms should seek immediate medical assistance and visit a doctor: –

• • Chest discomfort.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Feeling faint or fainting.
  • Severe lightheadedness or dizziness.

In conclusion, if you’ve been diagnosed with an arrhythmia, you’re likely to have many questions. You may be concerned about the severity of your health and the implications for the future. It is common to experience a variety of emotions, including dread, worry, and depression. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks. There are things you can do to help you manage your illness and alleviate any concerns you may have.

References

1. National heart, lung and blood institute. Retrieved from Arrhythmias Causes and Triggers
2. Stanford University School of Medicine. Retrieved from Lifestyle Risk Factors for Heart Disease
3. HealthDirect Australia. (2019, February 25). Heart arrhythmias. 
4. Medline Plus. (2019). Arrhythmia
5. NHS . (2021, September 14). Arrhythmia