Arrhythmias Abnormal Heartbeat: An Overview

A normal heartbeat can be felt by anyone but the majority people can feel their heartbeat when they recline to their left side. Awareness about an abnormal heartbeat is called palpitation which varies among different people.

There are many people who might have an abnormal heartbeat and may not be aware of this condition. People with an irregular heartbeat suffer from arrhythmia which is a condition that could be regarded harmless or severe depending on ones nature and it may not be influenced by any symptoms. Sometimes an acute arrhythmia may not show any symptoms and on the other hand symptoms which appear may not be considered life threatening.

Severe arrhythmia could damage the ability of a heart to pump blood normally which will cause symptoms such as weakness, light headedness, feeling faint, dizziness and even reduce the capacity to perform any form of exercise. This will in turn weaken the efficiency of the heart where it will not be able to maintain the normal blood pressure leading to immediate death. Other symptoms that could occur due to any existing heart diseases are breathing problems and chest pain which calls for immediate medical attention.

If there are any problems which occur, it is very essential to give a doctor specification about any symptom that occurred as he can conduct a preliminary diagnosis and explain the extent of damage of the arrhythmia. A few considerations here would be to find out whether a palpitation is habitual or unbalanced, rapid or slow, normal or abnormal etc. He should also know exact details on how frequent the palpitations are, if it occurs due to unusual activities or at a period of rest, and also the pace of the palpitation. The exact nature and cause of arrhythmias can be determined through certain diagnostic procedures conducted. These procedures will be done by a professional team of doctors and nurses who have complete knowledge on how to handle a patient with arrhythmia.

A person suffering from acute arrhythmia is generally hospitalized where his condition can be monitored and his heartbeat is recorded on a monitor that is beside his bed. This makes it easy to give him the treatment that he requires and to take any immediate action if needed. A patient with this problem is also kept and supervised under care everyday by professional doctors and nurses who will be of any assistance when needed.

Source: my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/arrhythmias/hic_management_of_arrhythmias_abnormal_heartbeats.aspx