Palpitations, feeling dizzy, fainting or being short of breath may be symptoms of heart rhythm abnormalities. Understanding the causes and treatment can help understand such complex medical conditions.
An arrhythmia is a medical term for an abnormal heart rhythm. According to the NHS, arrhythmias or heart, rhythm problems are experienced by more than 2 million people a year in the UK. Most people with an abnormal heart rhythm can lead a normal life if it is properly diagnosed.
What are the Symptoms of Heart Rhythm Abnormalities?
Symptoms of arrhythmias include palpitations, feeling dizzy, fainting and being short of breath. However, having these symptoms does not always mean you have a heart rhythm problem.
The main types can be clearly defined.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type, where the heart beats irregularly and faster than normal.
Supraventricular tachycardia are episodes of abnormally fast heart rate at rest.
Bradycardia is when the heart beats more slowly than normal.
Heart block occurs when the heart beats more slowly than normal and can cause people to collapse
Ventricular fibrillation is a rare, rapid and disorganised rhythm of heartbeats. It rapidly leads to loss of consciousness and sudden death if not treated immediately.
With many symptoms, differing arrhythmias and various potential diagnoses, it is important to keep a record of the symptoms you experience.
Arrhythmia Alliance’s heart rhythm checklist can help you gather this information about your symptoms. You can then present the detail to your GP or Neurologist who will use this to assist in diagnosing the condition.
Getting Help
Dr David Begley is a Consultant Cardiologist in the UK who specialises in cardiac rhythm management. This is the investigation and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities or arrhythmias. He will aim to answer all your concerns about your symptoms of heart rhythm abnormalities.
If you have experienced symptoms such as blackouts, dizziness, palpitations or feeling short of breath it is advisable to seek help from a medical professional. You can also find more information about the symptoms of heart rhythm abnormalities on our website.
He can also provide treatment for heart rhythm abnormalities. Options will range from management with medicines, catheter ablation or insertion of a cardiovascular implantable electronic device such as a pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator.
Contact Dr Begley
To make an appointment to discuss your questions about symptoms of heart rhythm abnormalities and the treatment, please contact us. Dr David Begley’s Personal Assistant, Lynn Thomas via phone on 01223 850 423 or email.