Millions of people have an abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia – and many don’t even realize it.
The most common type is atrial fibrillation (AF), which causes an irregular and often unusually fast heartbeat and dramatically increases the risk of stroke.
If diagnosed, AF can be treated.
However, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), it is estimated that there are at least 270,000 people in the UK who are unaware they have the condition. The figure is thought to be closer to 1.5 million in the US.
‘What remains alarming is the sheer number of people who are undiagnosed and unaware that they are at increased risk of stroke,’ says BHF’s medical director, Professor Sir Nilesh Samani.
Around three million Britons are believed to have an abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia – and many may not even realize it
“Finding people with this hidden threat must remain a priority.”
Trudie Lobban, founder of the Arrhythmia Alliance, a coalition of patients, healthcare professionals and policy makers, added: “Cardiac arrhythmias are a leading cause of sudden cardiac death and devastating strokes.
‘Yet too few people are aware of the rhythm of their heart.’
On the occasion of World Heart Rhythm Week, experts are stressing the importance of being aware of arrhythmia warning signs and getting things checked out. Here’s what you need to know…
Arrhythmias can affect all age groups
However, AF is most common in older age groups.
As Dr Anthony Chow, a consultant cardiologist at Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, explains: ‘Heart rhythm problems are a common condition that can affect all age groups.
“But AF is more common in older people.
“It can be as common as [affecting] 10 percent of the population is in their seventies and almost 29 percent of those in their eighties.’
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
Arrhythmias can have many causes
Lobban says many conditions can cause heart rhythm problems, including thyroid disease, infections, and sleep apnea.
Triggers can also include stress, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, diet pills, and cough or cold medications.
“But usually there’s an underlying physical reason for it,” adds Lobban.
Warning signs to watch out for
The main warning signs, according to Dr. Chow, are palpations (a pounding or fluttering sensation in your heart/chest), dizziness and feeling faint, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and feeling excessively tired.
These things don’t automatically mean you have a heart problem, but it’s important to get any symptoms checked.
And Dr. Chow adds, “Not everyone experiences these exact symptoms, and in some cases, patients may experience no symptoms at all.”
How to measure your heart rhythm
There are many ways that heart rhythms can be measured clinically, through EKGs or monitors. You can also check your heart rate yourself at home.
“The easiest way to detect an arrhythmia is to feel your pulse and thus your heart rhythm – is it irregular, too fast or too slow?” Lobban says. “Something as simple as a 30-second heart rate check can literally save your life.”
The Heart Rhythm Alliance has a “know your pulse” guide on their website. Lobban says to sit down five minutes beforehand and remember that any stimulants you’ve taken, such as caffeine or nicotine, will affect speed.
You’ll need a watch that measures seconds (take it off to take the test), or your phone timer might work. Hold your left or right hand out with your palm facing up and elbow slightly bent. With your other hand, place your index and middle fingers on your wrist near the base of your thumb, between the bone and the fibrous tendon of the thumb, to find your pulse.
Once you find your heart rate, hold firm pressure and count the beats for 30 seconds, then multiply by two to get your heart rate in beats per minute. If your heart rhythm is irregular, you should count one minute and not multiply.
Arrhythmia can cause many serious health problems
Cardiac arrhythmias can cause several serious heart health complications, including strokes, heart failure, and heart attacks, explains Dr. Chow.
“Cardiac arrhythmias, especially AF, are often associated with an increased risk of blood clots, so it’s extremely important to be aware of the warning signs,” he says.
“If a blood clot breaks loose, it can travel straight from the heart to the brain, causing a stroke.”
“You should see your doctor and be referred to a heart rhythm specialist for assessment if you have significant symptoms.”
When to see a doctor
If you have a history of heart problems and/or are increasingly concerned about palpations, consult a medical professional, advises Dr. Chow. Those with a family history of arrhythmia and/or sudden cardiac death should also ensure they get checked out.
“It’s not common for us to be aware of our heart beating unless there’s a disturbed rhythm,” he says.
“You should see your doctor if your palpitations persist for a long time, or don’t improve and seem to be getting worse.
‘Acute instances of symptoms can be a warning sign of something more serious, so it’s important to get medical advice if you’re concerned. In some cases, arrhythmia may be an indication of a medical emergency, such as a heart attack.”
Treatment for arrhythmia
Arrhythmias can be treated in several ways. “Some need nothing more than reassurance after diagnosis, but others may need drug therapy or implantation of an electrical device such as a pacemaker or ICD,” says Lobban.
Dr. Chow says therapies like cardioversion can be used to reset the heart rhythm by sending a shock through the chest to the heart, and there are also procedures and surgeries, including catheter ablation, which involves passing wires through blood vessels directly to the heart and applying heat. used to create small scars in the heart to block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heartbeat.
Dr. Chow adds, “Most people with an abnormal heart rhythm can lead normal lives if the condition is properly diagnosed and treated.”