The normal range for heart rates is between 60 and 100 BPM.
If this happens too frequently, it can negatively affect blood flow.
Bradycardia
Bradycardiais a slow heartbeat of less than 60 BPM.
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Children, older adults, and athletes may have slow resting heart rates that do not require medical attention.
Concerning causes of bradycardia include problems with the hearts electrical signal, such assick sinus syndrome.
In this disorder, the sinus node (the hearts natural pacemaker) does not trigger every heartbeat.
Leftover blood pools in the atria, leading to clots and increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure.
The pattern can be regular or irregular.
If not enough blood and oxygen move through the body,cardiac arrestcan happen quickly.
Premature Contractions
Premature contractions occur when your heart does an extra beat.
It can feel like a skipped beat.
Premature contractions can sometimes happen in normal-functioning hearts.
If you feel it happening often, see a healthcare provider.
What Does It Feel Like?
Abnormal heart rhythms do not always cause noticeable symptoms.
Sometimes, they cause symptoms that are too mild to notice.
Less blood flows through the arteries, making your heart work much harder.
Over time, the heart muscle weakens, causing abnormal heart rhythms.
Heart disease or damage can affect the heart’s electrical system, leading to an irregular heartbeat.
Medications
Paradoxically, some antiarrhythmic drugs designed to treat abnormal heart rhythms can sometimes induce them.
This phenomenon is known asproarrhythmia.
This disruption happens by interrupting potassium flow to heart cells, which is necessary for healthy cardiac function.
When you experience stress, your body releases hormones like adrenaline, which can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
Chronic stress can contribute to ongoing inflammation, which damages artery linings and causescoronary plaquebuildup.
Fevers can cause electrolyte imbalances and increase sympathetic nervous system activity, increasing the risk for arrhythmia.
Diagnosing abnormal heart rhythms involves several methods.
Medications, lifestyle changes, implants, or procedures can give many people an excellent quality of life.
It is crucial to have regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor treatment.
They can be asymptomatic or cause noticeable symptoms, such as palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
With proper treatment and management, most people with arrhythmia can lead full, active lives.
If you experience symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm, seek immediate medical attention.
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