Symptom 5. Rapid or Irregular Pulse: The Unsettling Sign of Aortic Stenosis
There’s something reassuring about the rhythmic beat of a healthy heart. But what happens when that beat becomes a frenzied tempo or an irregular rhythm? A rapid or irregular pulse is an unsettling sign of aortic stenosis. It’s a hint that your heart may be in distress, straining under the burden of pumping blood through a narrow valve.
The human heart is a marvel of biological engineering, designed to deliver oxygenated blood to the entire body. But when the aortic valve narrows, the heart needs to pump harder to force blood through the constricted opening. This excessive workload can lead to a rapid pulse, like a drummer frantically trying to keep up with an accelerating tempo.
On the other hand, aortic stenosis can also cause an irregular pulse, medically known as arrhythmia. The constant strain on the heart can disrupt its normal rhythm, leading to beats that are too fast, too slow, or irregular. Imagine a well-rehearsed orchestra suddenly playing out of sync, and you’ll have an idea of how an arrhythmia feels.
Both a rapid and an irregular pulse can be disconcerting. You might feel like your heart is galloping uncontrollably, or it may seem to skip beats unpredictably. These sensations can appear suddenly, leaving you feeling startled and anxious.
So, when your heart’s steady beat transforms into a wild rhythm or an unpredictable tune, it’s time to take note. If your pulse races like a runaway horse or dances like a drunken sailor, it might be a hint that aortic stenosis drumming the message for you. (5)
