Arrhythmia Symptoms: A Complete Guide to Causes, Risks, and Treatments
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents When your heart skips a beat, flutters unexpectedly, or starts pounding out of rhythm, it can be a frightening experience. These sensations may point toward a condition called arrhythmia, a disorder of the heart’s rhythm that affects millions of people worldwide. For patients, one of the most important steps is timely medical care, and this is where digital solutions like Cellmaflex play a crucial role. With Cellmaflex, you can book online appointments without waiting on phone calls, check your medical history anytime and anywhere, and even find doctors, pharmacies, labs, and imaging services nearby. This ease of access ensures you can respond quickly to worrying heart symptoms. In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at arrhythmia, what it is, the different types, causes, symptoms, complications, diagnosis methods, treatments, and how to live with the condition. Along the way, we’ll also highlight how Cellmaflex helps make healthcare management more convenient and connected. What Is Arrhythmia? Normally, your heart beats in an organised, coordinated way. Issues with various parts of your heart – or even the blood your heart pumps – can affect your heart’s normal rhythm. Having a normal heart rhythm matters because your heart supplies your whole body with nutrients and oxygen through the blood it pumps. In a healthy adult, this typically means 60–100 beats per minute at rest. Arrhythmia occurs when these impulses misfire, causing the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. Not all arrhythmias are immediately dangerous, but some can cause serious complications if untreated. According to Science Direct, in 2021, Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter (AF/AFL) was the most common arrhythmia globally, affecting 52.55 million people and causing over 338,000 deaths. Additionally, according to European Society of Cardiology, 1 in 3 people worldwide will develop a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder in their lifetime, yet awareness remains critically low. In the Caribbean: Country Estimated Arrhythmia / AF Prevalence (%) Trinidad & Tobago ~5.3% (in stroke inpatients) Dominican Republic ~8–9% (in people >65 years) Given these high numbers, awareness of arrhythmia and its symptoms is more important than ever, and with Cellmaflex, patients can stay ahead by booking preventive health check-ups and monitoring their medical records conveniently. Types of Arrhythmias Not all arrhythmias are the same. Some are harmless, while others can be life-threatening. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The most common arrhythmia. In AFib, the upper chambers (atria) beat rapidly and irregularly, increasing the risk of stroke. Many patients don’t notice it until complications occur. Bradycardia: A slower-than-normal heart rate, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, or fainting spells. In severe cases, it may require a pacemaker. Tachycardia: A faster-than-normal heartbeat. While moments of tachycardia can happen as a response to stress or exercise, sustained or frequent tachycardia should be assessed by a medical professional. Ventricular Arrhythmias: These arrhythmias are not only dangerous but originate in the ventricles of the heart. With dangerous consequences, if not treated immediately, can lead to immediate cardiac arrest. Causes & Risk Factors Arrhythmias do not often just arise without reason. The most common causes and risk factors include: Cardiovascular Conditions: Heart disease, prior heart attack or valve disorder High Blood Pressure: a notable contributor to AFib and other rhythm problems Thyroid Condition: both overactive and underactive thyroid glands can cause arrhythmias Lifestyle Triggers: too much caffeine, alcohol, smoking or recreational drugs. Family History: genetic propensity to rhythm disorders. Medication and Electrolyte Imbalance: some drug use and low potassium, magnesium or calcium levels. If you have these risk factors, staying proactive is key. Through Cellmaflex, you can book blood tests, thyroid checks, and cardiology referrals quickly and access results in real time, helping you and your doctor act before symptoms worsen. Arrhythmia Symptoms Recognising arrhythmia symptoms can be lifesaving. Common warning signs include: A sensation of fluttering, pounding, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting Shortness of breath during routine activities Unexplained fatigue or weakness Chest pain or pressure However, not all arrhythmias show clear signs. In fact, some people live with silent arrhythmias without knowing it. This makes regular screening vital, especially if you have risk factors. With Cellmaflex, you can schedule ECGs, keep past results handy, and share them with healthcare providers instantly, giving doctors a clear view of your heart history. By paying attention to arrhythmia symptoms early and using tools like Cellmaflex for convenient care, patients can prevent complications before they escalate. Working Through the Complications Untreated arrhythmias (some) can develop into serious and, at times, fatal conditions: Stroke: In patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), stroke risk increases because the irregular heartbeats can cause blood to pool and develop a clot in the heart chambers (atria). Heart failure: Long-standing arrhythmias can weaken the heart muscle, making the heart ineffective in pumping blood. Sudden cardiac arrest: Severe ventricular arrhythmia can cause the heart to stop beating in its entirety! Working Through the Diagnosis Arrhythmias are often not diagnosed in one visit and depending on the frequency of the symptoms, monitoring over time may be necessary to diagnose an arrhythmia the common tools for arrhythmia diagnosis would be: Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): This is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart and captures varying rhythms. Holter Monitor: This is a kind of ECG monitor that is worn typically for 24 to 48 hours to take a record of irregular heartbeats that an ECG may miss. Event Monitor: Used for weeks at a time, activated by the patient during symptoms. Blood Tests: Check thyroid function, anaemia, or electrolyte imbalances that may contribute to arrhythmia. Cellmaflex provides support so that patients can book their diagnostic tests online and see the results electronically; therefore, they are always ready for their follow-up consultations. Treatment & Management Treatment is determined by the type of arrhythmia, the severity of any underlying disease, and the patient’s health. Treatments include: Lifestyle Modifications: Heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity; manage weight; moderate alcohol and caffeine; and nicotine cessation.
