In my career as a doctor, I've witnessed countless tense moments and miracles, but nothing is more memorable than the sense of urgency when dealing with an arrhythmia. I remember one time, a middle-aged man rushed to the emergency room because he felt tightness in his chest and his heart was racing. His face was pale and sweating profusely, all warning signs that could not be ignored. After an initial examination, we found that his heart rhythm was significantly abnormal, and it was not just an ordinary anxiety symptom. In this case, it is crucial to identify the nature of the arrhythmia in a timely manner, as it can be a precursor to a heart attack. Through a detailed consultation and a series of rapid tests, we are able to assess whether the patient's condition is serious and thus decide on the best next course of treatment. And the example of this patient is the focus of our discussion today: What should you do when you feel that your heart is suddenly beating irregularly? What signals could be a sign of a heart attack?
Basic knowledge of arrhythmias and myocardial infarction
Arrhythmias: Confusion of beating
Arrhythmia, in simple terms, refers to an abnormal rhythm or rate of the heart. This may manifest as a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat. There are various types of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, etc., and what they all have in common is that the uncoordinated electrical activity of the heart leads to a decrease in heart efficiency. In some cases, arrhythmias may be an occasional phenomenon related to fatigue, caffeine intake or stress, but in other cases, it can be a sign of a more serious heart disease. Myocardial infarction: A crisis myocardial infarction, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. This is usually caused by thrombosis in the coronary arteries, resulting in ischemia or even necrosis in parts of the heart. Typical symptoms of myocardial infarction include chest pain (often described as a feeling of pressure or weight) with cold sweats, nausea, or difficulty breathing. If not treated quickly, a heart attack can lead to serious health problems and even death.
The mechanism of occurrence of both
The key to arrhythmia is the abnormality of the electrical signal, and the core of a myocardial infarction is the interruption of the blood supply. While both are about the heart, their warning signs and treatment strategies are very different. Understanding this is essential to assess the severity of any cardiac symptoms. Through these basics, we can better understand arrhythmias and myocardial infarction, and lay the foundation for further exploring the connection between them and how to distinguish between them. In daily life, recognizing these symptoms and seeking medical attention in a timely manner can greatly reduce potential health risks. In the next section, we will discuss in detail how to determine whether a heart attack is likely based on specific symptoms, and deepen our understanding through actual case studies.
The key point to distinguish arrhythmias from myocardial infarction
The nature of the symptoms
Symptoms of arrhythmias are usually a feeling that the heart is beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Patients may describe "the heart beating weirdly" or "feeling like the heart is going to jump out of the chest". These symptoms can occur in the absence of other obvious signs, such as not accompanied by severe chest pain. In contrast, a heart attack usually presents as persistent, pressing chest pain that may radiate to the arms, jaw, or back. Symptoms of myocardial infarction also include cold sweats, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms of onset-time arrhythmias can occur at any time, may be more pronounced at rest, or may appear suddenly without any trigger. Whereas, chest pain in myocardial infarction often occurs after physical activity, especially if the heart is overloaded. The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours and does not improve with changing positions or breathing depth.
Concomitant symptoms
Arrhythmias may be accompanied by a feeling of fainting or near-syncope, especially if the heartbeat is slow or fast, affecting the heart's pumping efficiency. In addition to chest pain, myocardial infarction is often accompanied by significant systemic symptoms such as extreme fatigue, heavy sweating, and dyspnea. These symptoms are due to damage to the heart muscle, which severely affects the heart's pumping function. Recognizing these symptoms and responding quickly is critical. If you or someone close to you is experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately. Especially if symptoms are accompanied by pressure and chest pain that lasts for a long time, it is best to call emergency services immediately. By learning these key points of differentiation, it is possible to make faster judgments in emergency situations and get the right treatment in a timely manner.
How to monitor and respond to arrhythmias in everyday life
The basic way to monitor your heart rate
Detect your heart rate manually: You can feel the pulse by touching the arteries in your wrist (the inside of your wrist, near your thumb) or in your neck. Gently press with your fingers and count the number of pulses in a minute. Use electronic devices: Smartwatches and health trackers can continuously monitor your heart rate and record data through a mobile app. These devices are becoming more and more accurate, making them ideal for daily health management. Common Signs of ArrhythmiasSudden or Slow HeartbeatFeeling an irregular or missed heartbeatCoping strategies for unusually fast heartbeat during exerciseAdjust lifestyle habits:Moderate exercise: Exercises suitable for the heart, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can enhance heart function. Eat a healthy diet: Reduce caffeine and alcohol and increase whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Stress reduction: Learn stress-relieving techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice a significant irregular heartbeat or symptoms such as chest pain and syncope. Have an electrocardiogram (ECG) done regularly, especially in patients with a history of arrhythmias.