Six warning signs of an arrhythmia revealed

The condition affects tens of millions of people worldwide.

But while an abnormal heart rhythm, known medically as an arrhythmia, can cause common symptoms that are usually harmless, the condition can be fatal.

There are many types of arrhythmias – ranging from a very fast heart rate of up to 300 beats per minute to a slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.

It was revealed on Saturday that British presenting royalty Paul O’Grady died of an ailment. He had suffered three heart attacks in the years leading up to his death.

From a “fluttering” feeling in your chest to feeling like your heart has skipped a beat, there are signs of arrhythmia to watch out for.

The heart’s conduction system sends out electrical impulses, which trigger the heart rate, which is usually between 60 and 80 beats per minute. But some people have a faster or slower heart rate.

An arrhythmia when there is a problem with this system, causing the heart rhythm to beat too slow, too fast, or irregularly.

These abnormalities can range from a minor inconvenience to deadly.

In people with heart disease, certain types of arrhythmia can cause sudden cardiac arrhythmias, which kill about 500 people in the UK and 325,000 in the US each year.

The NHS says it’s not always possible to prevent arrhythmias, but a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

Flutter in your chest

Dr. Ayyaz Sultan, a consultant cardiologist at Pall Mall Medical, said an arrhythmia could mean your heart is occasionally or permanently out of its usual rhythm.

The main warning sign of an arrhythmia is palpitations — an awareness of your heartbeat.

Palpitations can be a “fluttering” in your chest, feeling like you have butterflies there.

Heart skips a beat

It may also feel like your heart has skipped or missed a beat.

This symptom is caused by electoral signals firing from the wrong place at the wrong time, causing the heart to beat out of rhythm.

Those who have this symptom tend to experience an early heartbeat because the heart contracts before the ventricles — the chambers where blood collects — have had time to fill with blood.

As a result, little or no blood is pushed to the body.

This means that patients don’t feel that contraction like a heartbeat, while the next beat feels more forceful because extra blood is being pushed out.

Dizziness

Light-headedness or dizziness can be a telltale sign of an arrhythmia.

If your heart isn’t functioning properly, the rest of your body — including your brain — may not be getting enough blood.

The dizziness is caused by this decrease in blood flow to the brain.

Paul O’Grady died of cardiac arrest at his home in Kent on March 28 at the age of 67

pass out

Sudden loss of consciousness is often the first sign of an irregular heartbeat.

Sufferers are usually not fainted for long – just a few seconds or minutes.

But experts warn that this is a serious symptom and those who experience frequent fainting or other symptoms should see their doctor.

Breathlessness

Shortness of breath is common in people with arrhythmias.

The symptom can be difficult for patients to explain, as it can include a feeling of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and fatigue from walking.

Because the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen to fuel its activities, and the lack of oxygen can cause you to gasp to compensate.

Chestpain

The chest may feel tight, painful, or sharp due to an abnormal heartbeat.

The sensation may spread to the back and arms.

While the cause can be harmless, such as heartburn, it can also be due to an arrhythmia or heart attack.

But palpitations are not always a cause for concern as it can occur due to a whole range of things.

Dr. Sultan said, “You can get palpitations even if your heart is healthy.”

“They can be caused by abnormal heart electrical pathways, heart muscle disease, an electrolyte imbalance in your blood, medications — certain antibiotics, antidepressants, stimulant treatment for ADHD — or lifestyle choices such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, recreational drug abuse, acid reflux, and exercise.” , he explained.

Palpitations have also been observed in long-term Covid patients.

However, if left untreated, an arrhythmia can be fatal and lead to serious problems such as heart failure, stroke, or cardiac arrest.

‘Medication can be used to treat an irregular heart rhythm,’ Dr Sultan added.

“Depending on the nature and origin of the arrhythmia, treatment may include medical treatment, cardioversion, or an invasive form of examination or treatment.”

But he stresses that the “main point to make” is that while an arrhythmia can be serious, “it can also be occasional and nothing to worry about,” so it’s best to see a health professional. consult if you notice any signs. .

Paul O’Grady died of a cardiac arrhythmia, according to his death certificate.

The 67-year-old died of cardiac arrest at his home in Kent on March 28.

He had spoken openly about his struggle with heart disease and suffered three heart attacks between 2002 and 2014.