About-Cardio
-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
What is the Reason for Irregular Heartbeat?
Introduction
Irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an abnormal rhythm. It can be harmless or indicate a serious medical problem. Understanding the causes and possible related conditions is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes of Irregular Heartbeat
1. Heart-Related Causes
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – The most common type of arrhythmia, where the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly.
- Heart disease – Conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and previous heart attacks can disrupt normal heart rhythms.
- Valve disorders – Malfunctioning heart valves can lead to arrhythmias.
- Congenital heart defects – Some people are born with heart abnormalities that affect their heart rhythm.
2. Electrolyte Imbalances
- Low or high levels of potassium, magnesium, sodium, or calcium can interfere with the electrical signals of the heart.
3. Medications and Substances
- Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, or stimulants) can cause irregular heartbeat.
- Excessive caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or illegal drugs can trigger arrhythmias.
4. Hormonal Changes and Medical Conditions
- Thyroid disorders – An overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid can influence heart rhythm.
- Diabetes and high blood pressure – These conditions increase the risk of arrhythmias.
- Sleep apnea – Disruptions in breathing during sleep can cause irregular heartbeats.
5. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
- High levels of stress or anxiety can lead to palpitations.
- Excessive physical exertion without proper training or rest.
When to See a Doctor?
An irregular heartbeat is not always dangerous, but you should seek medical attention if you experience: - Persistent, unexplained irregular heartbeats. - Dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath. - Chest pain or discomfort.
Conclusion
Arrhythmia can have multiple causes, from harmless triggers to life-threatening conditions. Understanding the underlying reason is crucial for proper treatment. If you experience persistent or worrisome symptoms, consult a cardiologist immediately.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines on the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2023/11/29/18/58/New-ACC-AHA-Guideline-Focuses-on-Diagnosis-Management-of-AFib-gl-af
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16908781/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/12/04/20/16/2020-Update-to-ACC-AHA-AF-AFL-Performance
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2023-accahaaccphrs-guideline-diagnosis-and-management-patients-atrial-fibrillation
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.