Symptom 5. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: The Heart’s Erratic Rhythm
Most people have experienced the sensation of their heart beating rapidly during moments of intense excitement or anxiety. This sensation, also known as palpitations, is generally harmless. But if the fast heartbeat becomes persistent, or if it’s paired with other troubling symptoms, it could indicate a heart issue.
An irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia, a condition where the heart rhythm becomes abnormal, is a common heart problem. It happens when the electrical signals that coordinate your heart’s rhythm malfunction. There are several types of arrhythmias, and while some are harmless, others can be life-threatening.
In the case of tachycardia, the heart beats faster than normal while at rest, often leading to the rapid heartbeat symptom. Similarly, in atrial fibrillation, the most common type of serious arrhythmia, the heart beats irregularly and often too quickly.
A quickened or irregular pulse can also indicate an issue with the heart valves or even heart failure. It’s worth noting that a rapid heartbeat can often be accompanied by a sensation of lightheadedness or dizziness, another symptom to watch out for. (5)
