What Does An Irregular Heartbeat Feel Like?
Everyone’s heart beats at its own pace, but there are certain patterns that are considered “regular,” verus some anomalies that are considered “irregular.” Having an irregular heartbeat can be dangerous. While the likelihood of developing an irregular heart rhythm increases with age, it can occur to anyone, including the young. If you suspect that you may have an irregular heartbeat, it’s best to consult with a trusted heart and vein care professional. Following is more information about an irregular heartbeat.
How To Look Out For An Irregular Heartbeat
You may have a heartbeat that is not regular without showing any symptoms at all. However, in some cases, symptoms such as fainting or severe chest pains will be present. Medics have stated that since most people may not show signs at all, the surest way of detecting this condition is by regularly checking your pulse. If you are 65 years old or older, you should check your pulse monthly. You can check your pulse at home by placing the tips of two of your fingers (third and fourth) on your lower neck on any side of your windpipe or placing the two fingers on the front side of your other wrist. You will note blood throbbing underneath your fingers. Count all the beats you will feel for at least fifteen seconds and multiply them by four. This multiplication is to help you get your heart rate per minute. A regular resting heart rate is usually 60 beats for every minute for adults.
Signs You May Have Arrhythmia
You can have a range of symptoms when your heartbeat is not regular. These symptoms differ from one individual to another, depending on the heartbeat irregularity. You may note inconsistency if your heartbeat feels like your heart is racing or fluttering. Here are some of the severe symptoms that show your pulse is not normal:
- Shortness of breath
- Severe chest pains
- Weakness or fatigue
- Rapid chest-pounding
- Lightheadedness
Is Having an Irregular Heart Rhythm Dangerous?
Many times, having a heartbeat that is not regular is harmless. Nonetheless, it is essential to seek treatment to prevent any further complications. If you have any of the severe symptoms discussed above, you should contact a physician immediately. If left untreated, the condition can lead to severe complications, including sudden cardiac arrest, stroke, or even heart failure.
How To Treat An Irregular Heart Rhythm
If you have an abnormal heartbeat, your doctor will have to identify the irregularity sources or triggers. This may include detailed family history, medical history, information on your lifestyle, and diet. Once the physician has an understanding of the possible triggers, he or she may request specific tests to enable them to come up with a proper diagnosis. Some of the standard tests include:
- Blood and urine tests
- Chest X-ray
- EKG
- Carotid Ultrasound
- Echocardiogram
Once the diagnostic tests are complete, any heart abnormalities will require different treatments, including medications to reduce the number of episodes, specific exercises and movements to lower the risk, and in some cases, ventricular aneurysm surgery to remove a bulge in the blood vessels leading to the heart.
If you are experiencing an abnormal heartbeat, do not wait until it is too late. Book an appointment with Premier Heart & Vein Care and meet our vein physician in San Luis Obispo, CA to have the irregularity checked out and diagnosed.
