How to Tell If You Have an Irregular Heartbeat – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
An irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, is a condition that affects millions of people. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and health conditions. Left untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems. In this article, we will discuss the causes of an irregular heartbeat, the symptoms to look out for, and how you can get treatment.
Further Reading: Cardiovascular Health – 4 Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Heart
How Can You Tell If You Have An Irregular Heartbeat?
The first sign of an irregular heartbeat is often the feeling that your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or skipping a beat. This sensation can come and go at any time, even when you’re not exercising or under stress. The other symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain/discomfort, and fainting.
Often, the sensation itself is not that noticeable and it is the other symptoms you notice first. For example, if you’re feeling dizzy and short of breath, that can be a sign that your heart is not beating normally. There are other causes for these symptoms, so they need to be ruled out, but it could be down to your irregular heartbeat.
What Causes An Irregular Heartbeat?
There are a number of things that can cause an irregular heartbeat. The most common causes are:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque in the arteries)
- Diabetes
- Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Medication side effects (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants)
It’s important that you find out what the root cause is so that you can treat it. Many of these problems are serious and will lead to more serious health outcomes if not managed properly.
Further Reading: How to Keep Yourself Feeling Healthy All Year Long
What Should You Do?
So, what should you do? The first thing you need to do is see a specialist and get yourself checked out. Do a quick search for ‘who is the best cardiologist in my area’ to find a good private clinic. Alternatively, speak to your GP and they will refer you to somebody if they think that it is necessary. A cardiologist will be able to check your heartbeat and determine whether there is an issue and what might be causing it. In some cases, they will recommend treatments or medication to manage your blood pressure, for example.
If you are experiencing problems with your heart, you should think about making some lifestyle changes too. This might include quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, and eating a healthy diet. You should also try to get regular exercise as this can help to keep your heart healthy. Hopefully, by making these simple changes on a day-to-day basis, you can deal with the underlying condition that is causing the irregularity in your heartbeat in the first place. Just make sure that you see a doctor if symptoms persist or get worse.
Further Reading: How to Feel Good About Your Health in 6 Manageable Steps
An irregular heartbeat is not something to be taken lightly – it can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please go and see a specialist. It’s important to get checked out as soon as possible so that you can start getting the treatment you need.
Photos by Inspired Images – CCO Licence
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