Your heart rhythm: what you should know

With June highlighting heart rhythm awareness, ER24 is urging people to familiarise themselves with a condition called arrhythmia. ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing explains that Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats abnormally. The heart could either be beating rapidly or chaotically, slower or faster than normal or some beats could be triggered too early. The normal adult heart rate at rest ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.

However, having a heartbeat faster than 100 beats per minute or lower than 60 beats per minute does not always mean there is a problem. During exercise for example, you will develop a faster heartbeat. During sleep your heartbeat may be slower than normal. If you are physically fit, your normal resting heartbeat may also be significantly lower than 60 beats per minute. Arrhythmia can be harmless, serious or life threatening.

Causes of arrhythmia include disease of the heart muscle, coronary arteries or valves, disease of the electrical system of the heart, damage from a heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, stress and some medications. With some arrhythmias you may not notice symptoms. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, fainting, sweating, discomfort in your chest or palpitations.

In more serious arrhythmias you could suffer a stroke or go into cardiac arrest. Glenda Marcer, the director of Arrhythmia Alliance, says that arrhythmia is common in South Africa. “We try to create awareness about abnormal heart rhythms. Many people are not aware there is such a thing. If you are unsure whether your heartbeat is normal or not, consult a doctor,” she says. Marcer added that arrhythmia affects people of all ages.

How to check your pulse:

You can feel your pulse to determine how fast your heart is beating.

Place the tips of your index and middle fingers on the inner wrist of your other arm, just below the bottom of your thumb.

Press your wrist lightly until you feel your pulse. Count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply that by two to determine your heart rate in beats per minute.

Details: ER24 cqc@er24.co.za; 011 319 6500.