The heart beats at a constant pace due to the electrical impulses triggered by the sinus node. The electric signal passing through the heart causes the heartbeat, and the heartbeat efficiently pumps blood throughout the body.
If any problem arises in the system or process of creating electric impulses it causes abnormal heart rhythms. Arrhythmia is the medical term for the irregular heartbeat. This irregular heartbeat causes the heart to beat too fast or too slow. The heart normally beats between 60-100 times within a minute. But, for an irregular heartbeat, it may go less than 60 times or increase to more than 100 times within a minute.
There are different types of Arrhythmia, and some of the conditions may go seriously dangerous if ignored! It is essential to learn about the symptoms and detect the condition and consult a doctor. The doctor will analyze and diagnose for confirmation. The doctor will prescribe either medication or other treatment methods depending on the condition and type of Arrhythmia.
Almost every person experiences the symptoms of Arrhythmia. But, it doesn’t mean the condition is critical. You can detect an irregular heartbeat with the symptoms and consult the doctor.
The Noticeable Symptoms Of Irregular Heartbeat Are-:
- Fluttering in chest
- Racing heartbeat
- Slower heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Fainting
- Dizziness
If you experience any of the symptoms frequently, you must seek immediate medical attention and care. Consult a doctor. The doctor will review the symptoms as well as the medical history before conducting the examination. The doctor performs different heart-monitoring tests specific for Arrhythmia.
The Tests Performed For Detecting An Irregular Heartbeat
The tests for detecting irregular heartbeat are-:
Electrocardiogram- ECG test detects the electrical activity of the heart. The ECG test measures the duration of the electrical impulses in the heart.
Holter Monitor is a portable ECG device. The person needs to wear the device for a day. The device will record the heart’s activity throughout the day.
Event Monitor is another portable ECG device which the person needs to attach to the body and press a button when there are signs of Arrhythmia. This device is best for
Sporadic Arrhythmia, and the doctor can check the heart’s rhythm when the person develops the symptoms.
Echocardiogram is a hand-held device that conducts the noninvasive test. This device gets placed under the chest. The device uses the sound waves to produce images of the heart’s size, motion, and structure.
Using the Implantable Loop Recorder detecting the abnormal heartbeat is easier. This device gets implanted under the skin near the chest.
If the doctor fails to find any irregularities after conducting the above tests, the doctor will ask to perform some activities during the tests to trigger Arrhythmia so that the tests will detect the condition.
Stress Tests- You may require performing some physical activities or exercise which will trigger Arrhythmia. The doctor will conduct the test and monitor the heart’s activity which will be helpful for them to evaluate the reason. If the patient faces difficulty in performing exercises, the doctor will use a drug to stimulate the heart’s activity which will be similar to exercise.
Tilt Table Tests- If you have symptoms like fainting, the doctor will perform tilt table tests. The doctor will monitor your heartbeat and blood pressure while you lie flat on a table. Again the doctor will monitor the heartbeat and blood pressure after tilting the table as if you are standing. This test will help the doctor to detect how the heart responds and controls the change in angle.
Electrophysiological Testing and Mapping is a process in which the doctors insert thin and flexible tubes with electrodes into the blood vessels through a variety of spots within the heart. The electrodes will map the electrical impulses through the heart. The doctor may use the electrodes for stimulating the heart to beat at the rates that would trigger Arrhythmia. With this test, the doctor will detect the location or the reason of Arrhythmia.
Conclusion
Consult the doctor as soon as you experience any of the symptoms of Arrhythmia. The doctor will conduct the particular tests after learning about the symptoms for detecting an irregular heartbeat and the type. The early detection of Arrhythmia will help to opt for the right treatment.
