However, frequent bigeminy may signal underlying issues like heart disease,electrolyte imbalances, or medication side effects.
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How Do Bigeminy and PVCs Differ?
Bigeminy and PVCs are connected, but theyre not the same.
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This can feel like a skipped beat, a flutter, or a hard thump in the chest.
Bigeminy is a repeating pattern of extra beats.
Is Bigeminy Harmless?
In most cases, bigeminy is harmless, especially if the heart is otherwise healthy.
Bigeminy can be a medical emergency if it causes chest pain, fainting, or trouble breathing.
It also requires urgent care if it leads to adangerously fast or slow heart rate.
People with heart conditions should seek medical attention if bigeminy becomes frequent or persistent.
Symptoms
Bigeminysymptomsare similar to otherarrhythmiasand can be wide-ranging.
Some people do not have any symptoms at all when they have bigeminy.
Others may have a sensation of a missed heartbeat or a fluttering feeling in the chest calledpalpitations.
Causes
Bigeminy triggers when irregular electrical signals disrupt the hearts normal rhythm.
Ambulatory cardiac monitors, likeHolter monitors, can track heart rhythms continuously for days or even weeks.
Some advanced wearable devices can record heart activity for months or years, offering more detailed data.
Even some smartwatches and fitness rings can help detect irregular heartbeats.
Checking your pulse and blood pressure can help track any changes.
Contact your provider if you notice new or worsening symptoms.
Finding the right medication may take time, and adjustments may be needed.
Catheter ablation:If medications dont control bigeminy, your provider may recommend catheter ablation.
This minimally invasive procedure uses heat or cold energy to target the heart tissue causing irregular beats.
When Should Bigeminy Be Treated?
Treatment may also be needed if it affects daily life or poses a risk of complications.
Coping
Living with an abnormal heart rhythm may be challenging.
It can cause nervousness or anxiety to think about your heart not beating normally.
However, many people can live a long and healthy life with arrhythmias, and treatments are available.
Summary
Bigeminy is a throw in of cardiac arrhythmia.
People with bigeminy have periods where a normal heartbeat alternates with an abnormal one.
Symptoms range from none to serious, and any changes should be reported to your provider.
Bigeminy may have a known cause, or it may occur spontaneously.
Your healthcare team will review possible treatments if you need them.
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