4. Rapid or Abnormal Heart Beats: The Rhythm of Distress
The heart’s rhythm, when in sync, is a testament to the body’s remarkable inner workings. However, myocarditis throws this rhythm off balance, leading to rapid or abnormal heartbeats, medically termed as tachycardia and arrhythmias, respectively.
In myocarditis, the heart’s inflamed state disrupts the usual electrical pathways that govern heartbeats. This disturbance leads to tachycardia, where the heart beats faster than normal, even at rest. The heart, in essence, is working overtime to pump blood throughout the body, and this increased effort is reflected in the elevated heartbeat.
Arrhythmias, on the other hand, are not just about speed but also about rhythm. They represent a departure from the regular heartbeat pattern. It could feel like your heart is skipping beats, fluttering, or beating too hard. This irregularity stems from the same disruption in the heart’s electrical system caused by the inflammation.
Both tachycardia and arrhythmias signal the heart’s struggle to perform its basic function – to efficiently pump blood. It’s the heart’s SOS signal, a plea for attention and intervention.
The change in heart rhythm might be detected by the individual, or it may only be revealed during a medical check-up. But either way, it’s a symptom that should never be overlooked. (4)
