Maintaining a regular heartbeat is essential for proper blood circulation and overall heart health. Irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias, are changes in the normal rhythm of the heart. These changes can include slow rhythms (bradycardias), fast rhythms (tachycardias), extra beats, or irregular patterns. While age increases the likelihood of arrhythmias, they can occur in anyone, even those without heart disease.
It is also important to note that while irregular heartbeats are common, they do not directly cause heart attacks on their own. Most irregular heartbeats are harmless. However, serious conditions such as ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation can pose significant risks, including life-threatening complications. Let us address some common myths about irregular heartbeats and gain a clearer understanding of when these conditions should be a cause for concern.
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“Is a slower heartbeat a symptom of weak heart, and a fast heartbeat a sign of an imminent heart attack?”
| Our heart rate varies depending on the time of the day, activity level and mental state. It may also be affected by the presence of any stressors, be it emotional or physical illness, as well as with the use of any medications to regulate heart rate. A slow heartbeat does not mean one has a “weak” heart. In fact, a low heart rate is common among the athletes as their hearts are stronger and more efficient to meet their body requirements, allowing more blood to be pumped with each heartbeat.
On the other hand, fast heartbeat can happen when one is exercising, excited or ill and does not mean that there is impending heart attack. As such, if there is an isolated low or fast heartbeat episodes coupled with symptoms of giddiness, chest pain, breathlessness or fainting, please seek medical advice.
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“A normal heart rate means my blood pressure is normal?”
| Heart rate refers to the number of times a heart contracts within a minute. Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls. While heart rate does affect the blood pressure, they are still two separate measurements and indicators of health. A normal heart rate does not necessarily mean that your blood pressure is normal. A person can have a normal heart rate and still have high blood pressure.
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“I have a naturally higher heart rate, so I can burn fat faster.”
| Fat metabolism is not affected by a higher heart rate. Generally, our body burns carbohydrates and fats for fuel and use them as energy. It is important to keep to a physically active lifestyle in order to maintain a healthy weight.
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“My pulse is fast, it means I’m always under stress!”
| A fast pulse may be partially accounted by stress. However, if it is always persistent despite the removal of stress and even occurs at rest, this could be a sign of possible underlying conditions such as hormonal or cardiac disorders. Please seek advice from your healthcare provider.
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“I cannot drink coffee/ tea if I have palpitations or irregular heartbeat.”
| Recent studies in major medical journals have shown that consumption of caffeine does not lead to increased risk in heart rhythm abnormalities. As such, there are no strong reasons to abstain from caffeine completely. However, some people may be more sensitive to caffeine and feel palpitations or irregular heartbeats just after consumption of caffeine. For these individuals, reducing caffeine consumption to the minimum may help alleviate their symptoms.
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Irregular heartbeat is seldom life-threatening, but sometimes the palpitations could indicate underlying coronary artery disease. Seek immediate medical help if heart palpitations are accompanied by:
Severe chest pain
Unusual sweating
Shortness of breath
Loss of consciousness
A video version of the contents on how Dr Julian Tay, Consultant, Department of Cardiology, debunked myths on irregular heartbeat is available here.
This article is from Murmurs Issue 47. Click here to read other articles or issues.
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