Ever felt your heart "skip a beat" or race suddenly? It might be harmless, but it could also signal an arrhythmia.
What Is Arrhythmia?
Normally, your heart has a built-in "electrical system" controlling its rhythm — a natural pacemaker called the sinus node fires 60-100 signals per minute. When this system malfunctions, your heartbeat becomes irregular — that's arrhythmia.
Common Types of Arrhythmia
| Type | Sensation | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Premature beats | Occasional "thump" in chest | Usually harmless |
| Atrial fibrillation (AFib) | Irregular, sometimes fast heartbeat | ⚠️ Needs treatment, increases stroke risk |
| Supraventricular tachycardia | Sudden racing heart, lasts minutes | Usually not dangerous, but should be checked |
| Ventricular arrhythmia | Dizziness, fainting, chest pain | 🔴 Potentially life-threatening |
Who Is at Risk?
- People with thyroid conditions (hyperthyroidism especially)
- Heavy caffeine or alcohol consumers
- Those with hypertension or heart disease
- People under chronic stress or sleep deprivation
- Electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium)
When to See a Doctor Immediately
- Irregular heartbeat with chest pain or shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Heart rate consistently above 150 bpm
- Family history of heart disease and first-time arrhythmia
💡 Quick Check: If you feel an irregular heartbeat, press your fingers on your wrist pulse and count for one minute. If the beats are completely irregular, see a doctor promptly.
Frequent irregular heartbeats?
TEDANCD cardiology team offers 24-hour Holter monitoring to pinpoint the cause of your arrhythmia.
Free Online Consultation →