An irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia, happens when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an unusual rhythm.
Many people notice a flutter, a skipped beat, or a racing heartbeat at some point in their lives.
While these sensations can be frightening, many common rhythm problems are not dangerous, especially in otherwise healthy people.
Fast heart rhythms often affect younger adults. During an episode, the heart can suddenly jump from a normal rate to around 180 to 200 beats per minute.
This rapid rhythm may cause dizziness, light-headedness, anxiety, shortness of breath, or even fainting if the brain briefly receives less blood.
Some irregular beats begin in the upper chambers of the heart and are called premature atrial contractions.
Others begin in the lower chambers and are known as premature ventricular contractions. Although they may feel dramatic, these extra beats usually do not cause heart attacks, strokes, or shorten life expectancy.
Doctors say many factors can trigger these rhythm changes. Some people are born with an abnormal electrical pathway inside the heart. Thyroid disease, pregnancy, menopause, too much caffeine, and excessive alcohol can also increase the chance of developing palpitations.
When symptoms occur only occasionally, no treatment may be needed. However, people with frequent or troublesome episodes may benefit from medicines that help control the heart’s electrical activity.
A sudden racing heartbeat can sometimes be slowed by simple techniques known as vagal manoeuvres. These include bearing down as if having a bowel movement, blowing against resistance, splashing the face with icy water, or taking a cold shower. These methods stimulate the vagus nerve, which may interrupt certain abnormal rhythms.
If symptoms continue, doctors may recommend an electrophysiology study followed by catheter ablation. During this minimally invasive procedure, thin tubes are guided into the heart through blood vessels in the groin. The abnormal electrical pathway is located and destroyed using carefully delivered energy.
Recovery is usually quick. Most people go home the same day, avoid driving for 24 hours, and limit heavy lifting for about one week before returning to normal activities.
In older adults, atrial fibrillation is the most common abnormal fast rhythm. This condition causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat in a disorganised way, increasing the risk of blood clots and stroke. It may also cause tiredness, chest discomfort, dizziness, or no symptoms at all.
Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medicines to control heart rate or rhythm, blood-thinning medication to prevent stroke, and catheter ablation. A newer technique called pulsed field ablation selectively targets heart tissue while reducing the risk of damaging nearby structures.
This review explains current approaches to common heart rhythm disorders in clear language and reflects modern clinical practice. Its strength is that it summarises both simple self-care techniques and advanced treatments.
However, treatment decisions depend on each person’s medical history, so anyone with persistent palpitations, fainting, chest pain, or severe symptoms should seek medical assessment rather than relying on self-treatment alone.
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Source: Mayo Clinic.
