Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats in an irregular or unusual pattern. It involves disruptions in the rhythm that can feel off to the person and may require medical attention, especially when symptoms are persistent or worsening. Specialists in heart rhythm disorders emphasize that recognizing these changes early improves outcomes and guides appropriate treatment options.
Some individuals notice clear sensations of their heartbeat racing, skipping, or pausing. These episodes can occur suddenly and may be accompanied by lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. When such symptoms emerge, consulting a cardiologist is essential. Timely evaluation helps determine whether the rhythm issue is benign or requires further investigation and intervention, particularly if it recurs or worsens with activity or stress.
There are also arrhythmias that do not produce noticeable symptoms. In the early stages, a person may feel perfectly fine while the heart rhythm is irregular. Without symptoms, arrhythmias can still pose risks and potentially become more dangerous over time. Regular health checkups are important because they can reveal rhythm disturbances before they cause serious problems.
To detect arrhythmias, a clinician typically recommends an annual medical examination that includes an electrocardiogram, or EKG. The EKG records the heart’s electrical activity and helps identify the type of rhythm disturbance. In some cases, longer monitoring may be needed. For example, a Holter monitor records the heart rhythm over a full day or more to catch intermittent issues that may not appear during a standard EKG. In rarer situations, an electrophysiological study conducted in an operating room may be needed to map the electrical pathways of the heart, locate the source of the abnormal rhythm, and determine the best way to treat it. This precise mapping enables targeted intervention to address the root cause of the arrhythmia.
Further insights into the causes of arrhythmia, the most dangerous forms, and the circumstances that may necessitate surgical treatment can be found through comprehensive medical interviews and reviews conducted by specialist clinics. These discussions help patients understand when surgery is appropriate and what each option entails, including potential benefits and risks.