Can I Have An Arrhythmia Without Knowing It?

Your heart, which could be considered the most hardworking muscle in your body, beats 60-100 times every minute, 100,000-110,000 times in a single day, and approximately 35 million times annually. In ideal conditions, these heartbeats maintain a consistent rhythm to supply oxygenated blood to your body.

Around 5% of the general population experience an irregularity in their heart’s rhythm known as an arrhythmia. However, some individuals may not even realize they have this potentially serious condition.

To assist you in determining whether you may be dealing with an arrhythmia, Dr. James Kim, a board-certified cardiologist, shares some essential information about this common cardiovascular issue below.

Arrhythmias – Various Types of the Same Issue

One important point to note about arrhythmias is that there are different variations that can cause your heart to beat too rapidly, too slowly, or in an irregular manner.

The most prevalent type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (Afib), which is projected to affect over 12 million individuals in the United States by 2030. In Afib, the upper chambers of the heart flutter instead of contracting forcefully, leading to the potential accumulation of blood in these chambers and, more critically, the formation of blood clots.
Apart from Afib, other types of arrhythmias include:

• Atrial flutter – irregular beating of the upper chambers
• Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia – brief episodes of additional heartbeats
• Ventricular tachycardia – excessive rapid beating of the lower chambers
• Ventricular fibrillation – quivering of the lower chambers instead of effectively pumping blood out

It is crucial to note that ventricular fibrillation, the last type mentioned, is a medical emergency that often results in a heart attack within minutes.

Arrhythmia Symptoms

In many cases, persistent irregular heart rhythms appear as heart palpitations, giving the sensation of your heart:

• Fluttering
• Flip-flopping
• Pounding
• Racing
• Skipping

These symptoms may appear intermittently or occur regularly. If your heart rhythm is too slow, you might experience dizziness, while a high heart rate can lead to extreme anxiety. However, individuals with arrhythmias often remain unaware of their condition due to mild symptoms or sporadic occurrences.

For instance, approximately 1 out of every 3 people with Afib are unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness can be attributed to vague symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other health issues, such as fatigue. Additionally, some arrhythmias, like paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, are brief and typically affect younger individuals during physical activity without posing significant risks.

In conclusion, it is possible to have an arrhythmia without realizing it. The most effective way to determine whether your heart is maintaining a steady rhythm is by scheduling a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation with our team.

To begin, we welcome you to reach out to us at either of our locations in Chula Vista or National City, California, to arrange a meeting.