Symptom 8: Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat – The Unsettling Flutter
An unusually rapid or irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, can be an alarming experience. Your heart, which usually maintains a steady rhythm, might suddenly start beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This can be more than just an odd sensation – it could be a warning sign of an impending heart attack.
An arrhythmia can occur when there’s a disruption in the electrical impulses that control your heart’s beating. If a heart attack is imminent, the reduced blood flow to the heart can disturb these impulses, leading to an irregular heartbeat. You might feel like your heart is fluttering, pounding, or racing, even when you’re at rest. This unexpected change in your heartbeat could be your heart’s way of signaling a problem.
Feeling your heart beat erratically can be distressing and potentially debilitating. It can lead to a sense of anxiety and restlessness, disrupting your daily activities. Recognizing this as a potential symptom of a heart attack is the first step towards addressing the problem. (8)
