7 Warning Signs Your Heart Rhythm Needs Evaluation

A heartbeat is something we all take for granted. After all, it was present even before we were born and will be with us until our last breath. Most of us pay very little attention to our heart’s rhythm, unless something changes and we notice shifts in our normal patterns. 

The team at Heart Care is dedicated to delivering relevant, up-to-date information on all aspects of heart health, including arrhythmia. Today, we’re ready to discuss some of the warning signs that you might need to come see us for issues with your heart rhythm. 

What is an arrhythmia, and what could be the cause?

The term “arrhythmia” refers to any form of irregular heartbeat. Your heart rate will rise and fall throughout any given day, but you usually won’t “feel” or notice those changes. Of course, if you exert yourself through exercise, physically demanding tasks, or time in overly hot conditions, your heart rate will also change. 

In general, arrhythmia refers to abnormal heart rhythms that cannot be directly attributed to a clear cause. 

A number of different things can cause or contribute to arrhythmia. Many heart health conditions can change the rhythm of your heart, including a range of problems like valve disorders, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, and recovery from a heart attack or heart surgery. 

Certain medications can also cause changes in your heartbeat, as can fever, infection, lack of sleep, and anxiety. Because there are so many potential causes for heart rhythm issues, it’s important to see a heart specialist to determine the cause. 

Here are seven warning signs that your heart rhythm should be assessed by a professional. 

#1: A fluttering heartbeat

Everyone knows the sensation of a fluttering heart, or a heart that seems to “skip a beat.” Very often, these sensations are the result of something positive, like falling in love or getting ready to ask for a raise or speak publicly. But they can also be a sign of a heart issue. 

#2: A racing or pounding heartbeat

As with a fluttering heartbeat, a pounding or racing heartbeat can also be caused by emotional factors. Getting angry or being faced with a fearful experience can make your heart feel like it’s going to beat right out of your chest. But when these changes occur without a clear cause, they could indicate a problem with your heart function. 

#3: Chest pain

Chest pain doesn’t always manifest as a sharp, stabbing pain that leaves you grasping your chest in fear that you’re having a heart attack. It’s often far more subtle and can feel like a dull ache that comes and goes, or like a deep muscle cramp. If you experience ongoing or pronounced chest pain, it’s time to see a specialist. 

#4: Feeling faint

Fainting or coming close to fainting is an often-overlooked sign of arrhythmia. If you’ve lost consciousness, even for just a few seconds, or experience a feeling that you are about to pass out, having your heart rhythm checked could lead to much-needed treatment. 

#5: Fatigue

An abnormal heart rhythm could be a sign that your heart isn’t working properly to transport oxygenated blood throughout your body. This can leave you feeling far more tired than normal. If you notice a distinct change in your energy levels or a persistent feeling of being tired or heavy, it could indicate heart health problems. 

#6: Anxiety

One of the more common signs of anxiety is a rapid heart rate. But arrhythmia can also be the cause of anxiety, and it isn’t always easy to determine which condition brought on the other. If you find yourself feeling anxious, fearful, or nervous more frequently than usual, coming in for an assessment can provide answers. 

#7: Heavy sweating

Sweating is your body’s way of regulating your temperature. But if you’re sweating in situations that aren’t very hot or physically demanding, your body could be sending you a signal that something is amiss. 

A heart rhythm screening is a simple process

If you’re concerned about changes in your heart rhythm, the team at Heart Care is here to help. The diagnostic process for arrhythmia is nothing to be afraid of, and it can provide valuable information about how your heart is currently functioning and whether additional testing is necessary. 

Booking a visit to our office in Frisco, Texas, is as easy as a quick phone call or a few moments online, so don’t delay.