When Should You Worry About an Irregular Heartbeat?

An irregular heartbeat can feel unsettling. Some irregularities are harmless, but others warn of more serious problems. Knowing when to monitor symptoms and when to seek medical help can protect your heart and give you peace of mind.

What Is an Irregular Heartbeat?

An irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia, happens when your heart beats too fast, too slow or in an uneven pattern. Normally, your heart’s electrical system keeps it beating in a steady rhythm, pumping blood efficiently to the rest of your body. Disruptions in that electrical signal cause abnormal rhythms.

Some arrhythmias last only seconds, while others persist and interfere with your heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Recognizing whether your irregular heartbeat is a passing event, or a serious problem, is crucial.

Types of Arrhythmias

Understanding different types of arrhythmias will help you identify what might be happening. The most common types of arrythmias include: 

  • Premature Heartbeats: Usually harmless and feel like skipped beats
  • Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): A rapid, irregular heartbeat originating in the atria, increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure
  • Atrial Flutter: Similar to AFib but with a more organized rhythm, it involves rapid contractions of the atria
  • Tachycardia: A general term for an abnormally fast heartbeat that can lead to serious health problems
  • Bradycardia: A general term for an abnormally slow heartbeat that can lead to dizziness or fainting

“Most people experience occasional skipped beats that are not dangerous,” Adam C.  Harless, MD, RPVI, a cardiologist with Hattiesburg Clinic Heart & Vascular, explains. “The key is knowing when the pattern becomes more frequent or is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath.”

Common Causes of an Irregular Heartbeat

Many factors can trigger an irregular heartbeat. Some stem from lifestyle choices, while others result from underlying medical conditions. Identifying these triggers can help you take control of your heart health.

  • Lifestyle Triggers
    • Stress and Anxiety
    • Caffeine or Alcohol
    • Smoking
    • Sleep Deprivation 
    • Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalances 
  • Medical Conditions
    • Heart Disease 
    • High Blood Pressure 
    • Thyroid Disorders 
    • Diabetes 
    • Sleep Apnea 

When an Irregular Heartbeat Likely Harmless

Not every irregular heartbeat requires medical attention. Occasional skipped beats or short episodes of a racing heart are usually normal, especially when linked to identifiable triggers like caffeine or dehydration.

“If you notice palpitations once in a while, especially during stressful moments or after too much coffee, there is usually no reason to panic,” G. Joshua Blair, MD, FACC, a heart specialist at Hattiesburg Clinic Heart & Vascular, says. “However, keep an eye on any changes or patterns.”

When to Seek Medical Attention

Certain symptoms indicate a more serious arrhythmia that needs immediate evaluation.

Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • Persistent or worsening palpitations
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath, especially at rest
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fainting or near-fainting spells
  • A rapid heartbeat that lasts more than a few minutes

“If you feel a racing heartbeat that does not resolve quickly or you start to experience associated symptoms such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness or fainting, it is time to get evaluated,” cardiologist Patrick D. Dauphin, MD, advises. “These could be warning signs of a more serious condition.”

Diagnosing an Irregular Heartbeat

If your symptoms persist, your doctor will run tests to determine the cause. Cardiovascular diagnostic testsand screenings are performed to provide cardiologists with detailed information and imaging of the heart and vascular system’s condition. It allows specialists to gain an understanding of the heart’s structure and electrical activity to formulate an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Common tests may include:

  • Event Monitor: Portable device that monitors your heart for 24 to 48 hours to catch intermittent symptoms
  • Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to examine your heart’s structure and function
  • Stress Test: Evaluates how your heart performs under physical exertion
  • Cardiac Calcium Scoring: A non-invasive, cardiovascular scan of the heart that takes images of the coronary arteries

In some cases, your doctor may recommend advanced tests like cardiac MRI or an electrophysiology study to map your heart’s electrical system.

Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on the type and severity of your arrhythmia. Some cases require no intervention, while others need medication or procedures to restore normal rhythm.

  • Lifestyle Changes
    • Reduce caffeine and alcohol
    • Eat a heart-healthy diet
    • Manage stress and anxiety
    • Prioritize sleep and physical activity
  • Medical Treatments
    • Medications: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and anti-arrhythmic drugs to help control rhythm
    • Cardioversion: Delivers an electrical shock to restore your heart’s normal rhythm
    • Ablation: Uses a catheter to destroy abnormal tissue causing the arrhythmia

If something feels off, do not ignore it. Pay attention to your body, note your symptoms and reach out to your doctor if you have concerns about your heart’s rhythm. Early detection and treatment make all the difference, even for serious arrhythmias.

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic 

Heart health is one of our specialties at Hattiesburg Clinic, and we work to ensure you can get back to the life you enjoy. Our cardiovascular specialists offer compassionate and personalized cardiac care and advanced research to our patients. Our board-certified cardiologists and surgeons have a wealth of expertise and experience in diagnosing and treating all heart conditions, including heart disease, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia (AFib) and more.

We are dedicated to leading the way in advanced cardiovascular care through interventional cardiology, cardiac imaging and diagnostics, electrophysiology, structural cardiology and non-invasive cardiology (general cardiology).

For more information about cardiology services offered at Hattiesburg Clinic, call (601) 268-5800 or visit www.hattiesburgclinic.com/cardiology.

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About Hattiesburg Clinic:

Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.