Should you be worried about an irregular heartbeat?

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, so it’s important to understand when a heart-related symptom is dangerous or not.

An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, is a condition where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. While some irregular heartbeats are harmless and common, others can be a sign of a more serious heart problem.

Max George, former member of the boy band The Wanted, recently revealed he is undergoing surgery for a heart condition that caused his heart to beat slower than normal.

The singer, 36, shared on social media that he had been diagnosed with a 2:1 atrioventricular block, which is usually caused by the electrical pulses that control heart beats.

In an Instagram post, he said that his heart rate "hasn’t picked up at all in almost a week" and he doesn’t "have too much time to wait". His surgery is taking place sooner than expected, but George reassured fans he "may even be home for Christmas".

But should you always be worried if you notice an irregular heartbeat?

What is an irregular heartbeat?

Your heart beats in a regular rhythm, controlled by electrical signals. An irregular heartbeat occurs when these signals are disrupted, causing the heart to beat in an abnormal rhythm. There are several types of arrhythmias, including:

Tachycardia

A fast heart rate (over 100 beats per minute in adults)

Bradycardia

A slow heart rate (under 60 beats per minute in adults)

Atrial fibrillation (AF)

An irregular and often rapid heart rate originating in the upper chambers of the heart.

Premature beats

Extra beats that occur earlier than expected in the rhythm.

When should you be concerned about an irregular heartbeat?

While most arrhythmias are benign and may not cause harm, some can lead to serious complications, including stroke, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac arrest. According to the NHS, it is important to seek medical advice if you experience:

• Persistent or frequent irregular heartbeats

• Symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath

• Fainting or near fainting

What causes an irregular heartbeat?

Many factors can cause an irregular heartbeat, ranging from lifestyle habits to underlying medical conditions. Common causes include:

High blood pressure

Elevated blood pressure puts strain on the heart and increases the risk of arrhythmias.

Heart disease

Conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or previous heart attacks can trigger arrhythmias.

Electrolyte imbalances

Low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium can disrupt the heart’s electrical signals.

Stress and anxiety

Emotional stress can increase the release of certain hormones that can affect heart rhythm.

Caffeine, alcohol, or recreational drugs

These substances can stimulate the heart, leading to irregular rhythms.

Sleep apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea is often associated with arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation.

When is an irregular heartbeat not a cause for concern?

In many cases, an irregular heartbeat isn’t harmful and may not require medical treatment. For instance:

Occasional irregular beats

It's common to experience occasional “skipped beats” or a fluttering sensation in the chest, especially in stressful situations. These are often benign and don’t require treatment.

Arrhythmias due to temporary factors

In some instances, factors like high caffeine intake, dehydration, or a fever can trigger a temporary arrhythmia. Once the underlying cause is resolved, the irregular heartbeat typically stops.

Athletic heart

Well-trained athletes sometimes experience irregular heartbeats due to changes in the heart’s electrical system. These are usually not harmful and are closely monitored by healthcare professionals.

Treatment for irregular heartbeats

If you experience symptoms of an irregular heartbeat or have concerns about your heart, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider.

They may recommend several tests to diagnose the cause of the arrhythmia, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Holter monitor (a portable ECG worn for 24-48 hours to monitor your heart’s rhythm over a longer period)

• Echocardiogram

Treatment for arrhythmias varies based on the type and severity of the condition, and can include:

• Lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine, managing stress, quitting smoking, and eating a heart-healthy diet

• Medications, including anti-arrhythmic drugs

• Cardioversion, a procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm

• Ablation therapy, a procedure where small areas of the heart that are causing abnormal electrical signals are destroyed

• Pacemakers or defibrillators, which may be used in cases of severe arrhythmias

Read more about heart health:

• 'I nearly died of a ‘widow-maker’ heart attack. I had to change my approach to food as a chef’ (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)

• Health expert shares everyday problem that could be a sign of a weak heart (SurreyLive, 2-min read)

• UK women ‘underdiagnosed and undertreated’ for heart disease (PA Media, 4-min read)