00:10Have you ever felt your heart suddenly race, flutter, skip a beat or pound in
00:16your chest? While these sensations can sometimes be considered normal, other
00:22times they can be a sign of an abnormal heart rhythm known as an arrhythmia.
00:26Tonight on Housecall, we're discussing signs of an abnormal heart rhythm, some common causes
00:34and when it's time for you to seek medical attention.
00:38An arrhythmia occurs when the electrical signals that control your heartbeat become disrupted,
00:44causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregular.
00:49People often describe symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, also known as palpitations,
00:56your heart may feel as though it's beating faster than normal, even at rest. A normal heart rate
01:03is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Fluttering in the chest, people often describe a sensation
01:10of a bird flapping their wings, vibration or fluttering in the chest. Skipped beats or extra beats,
01:19people often describe feeling a missed heartbeat followed by a thump in their chest. This is one
01:26of the most common ways people describe palpitations. Dizziness or lightheadedness.
01:32If your heart is pumping too fast, it cannot pump blood efficiently around the body,
01:38resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain causing lightheadedness or dizziness.
01:43Shortness of breath, some arrhythmias make it difficult for the heart to meet the body's demand,
01:49resulting in breathlessness. And lastly, fainting and near fainting. In some cases,
01:57some abnormal heart rhythms can make you feel as though you are about to pass out or it can cause
02:03you to completely lose consciousness. So what causes arrhythmias? Heart disease and abnormalities in the
02:11heart's electrical system, thyroid disorders, excess caffeine or energy drinks, dehydration or
02:19electrolyte abnormalities, certain medications and stress and anxiety. While occasional palpitations or
02:28racing heart may be normal, you should seek medical attention if they are associated with
02:33chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting or it's occurring for a prolonged or extended
02:41period of time. Your heart should beat in a regular coordinated rhythm. If you experience palpitations,
02:49fluttering or sensation of a racing heart, don't ignore it. Early evaluation can identify the cause
02:57and provide the right treatment. It's Dr. Marianna Brown, the TB6 Health School.
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