Unusual fast or slow heartbeat

According to Hindustan Times, a normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. One easily recognizable sign of heart arrhythmia is a patient experiencing a heart rate that feels unusually fast, fluttering, or slower than normal. Some cases involve episodic occurrences, lasting a few seconds to a few minutes, then resolving on their own, making them easy to overlook.

However, a change in heart rate does not always indicate an arrhythmia. Exercise, stress, fever, dehydration, caffeine, or certain medications can also cause a temporary rapid heart rate. It is important to note if the condition occurs repeatedly, especially when at rest.

Dizziness, lightheadedness

When the heart beats irregularly, the amount of blood pumped to the brain can decrease temporarily. Patients may feel dizzy, lose balance, become lightheaded, or feel as if they are about to faint. This symptom requires particular attention, especially if it appears suddenly while resting or performing light activity.

An abnormally fast or slow heart rate can cause lightheadedness and fainting. Image created by AI

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath also occurs when the heart cannot maintain an effective pumping rhythm. Patients may feel breathless, have shallow breathing, or experience difficulty breathing during activity, even at rest.

This symptom is not specific to heart arrhythmia, as many other lung and heart conditions also cause shortness of breath. However, if shortness of breath occurs with palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly.

Unusual fatigue

An unstable heart rate can hinder the body's ability to adequately supply blood and oxygen to organs. Patients may feel fatigued, weak, and experience reduced exercise tolerance, even if they previously performed similar activities without issue.

Chest pain or discomfort

Some heart arrhythmias can cause a sensation of pressure, heaviness, or discomfort in the chest. However, chest pain is not a characteristic symptom of all arrhythmias and can be associated with many other medical conditions. If chest pain appears suddenly, is severe, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, or pain radiating to the arm, shoulder, back, or jaw, call for emergency medical help immediately, according to Times of India.

Fainting

Fainting due to heart arrhythmia occurs when the heart beats too fast or too slow, leading to a sudden reduction in blood flow to the brain. Some individuals may feel lightheaded, dizzy, or weak beforehand, while others may lose consciousness with little warning.

Unexplained fainting, especially if it occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by an irregular heartbeat, requires prompt medical evaluation. To accurately determine the cause, a doctor may order an electrocardiogram, a Holter monitor, or other appropriate tests.

Le Nguyen (Compiled)