Arrhythmia Symptoms And Their Impact On Health

Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats, can present a wide range of symptoms depending on the severity, duration, and type of rhythm disturbance. Factors such as heart rate, rhythm regularity, and how long the arrhythmia lasts all influence the symptoms experienced. In mild cases, a brief episode lasting only a few seconds may go unnoticed or cause minimal disruption to daily life.

Common Symptoms Of Arrhythmia

When the heart rate increases significantly—such as reaching 160 beats per minute—and persists for several hours, individuals may experience symptoms like chest discomfort, palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, or even temporary vision loss. These symptoms are often linked to reduced blood flow to vital organs including the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

When To Seek Medical Attention

Depending on the intensity of symptoms, individuals experiencing arrhythmia should consider the appropriate level of medical care. If the sensation is limited to occasional fluttering, skipped beats, or mild palpitations without other severe symptoms, scheduling an appointment with a general cardiologist is typically sufficient.

Emergency Situations

However, if symptoms escalate to include significant dizziness, fainting, or even seizures, seeking immediate care at an emergency department is strongly advised. These signs could indicate a more dangerous arrhythmia that requires urgent evaluation and treatment to prevent serious complications.