Heart Rate Matters – Understanding Rhythm and the Importance of Heart Rhythm Care
Your heart beats around 100,000 times a day, quietly and consistently powering your body. But have you ever paused to think about the rhythm of your heart and what it tells you about your health? Your heart’s rhythm is more than just a background soundtrack to your life—it’s a vital sign of your overall well-being.
What is Heart Rhythm?
Heart rhythm refers to the pattern of electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeats. Electrical impulses are signals that tell your heart when to beat, keeping it in sync with your body’s needs. These impulses ensure that the heart contracts and pumps blood efficiently. A healthy heart rhythm is steady, typically beating 60–100 times per minute at rest. However, this rate can vary depending on factors like activity level, emotions, or health conditions.
When this rhythm goes awry, it’s called an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias can range from harmless irregularities to life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Why Does Heart Rhythm Matter?
A stable heart rhythm ensures that your organs receive a consistent supply of oxygen-rich blood. When the rhythm becomes irregular, too fast, or too slow, it can lead to symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath. In severe cases, irregular rhythms can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, or more.
For example:
Atrial fibrillation (AF): This common arrhythmia causes an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, significantly raising the risk of stroke and heart fatigue in the long run.
Bradycardia: A heart rate that is too slow can reduce oxygen delivery, leaving you feeling faint or fatigued.
Tachycardia: A fast heart rate can strain the heart over time, potentially leading to more serious conditions.
Caring for Your Heart Rhythm
The good news is that heart rhythm disorders can often be managed, and early intervention plays a critical role in preventing complications. Heart rhythm care focuses on identifying irregularities, understanding their causes, and implementing strategies to restore or maintain a healthy rhythm.
Here’s how you can take control:
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to warning signs such as palpitations, chest discomfort, or unexplained fatigue.
Monitor Your Heart: Wearable devices, like smartwatches, now offer heart rate tracking and can detect irregular rhythms. One downside of wearable devices is the risk of health anxiety and over-monitoring the heart rhythm which needs to be borne in mind. It’s important to balance monitoring with mindful interpretation to avoid unnecessary worry.
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can improve over all heart function and reduce the risk of arrhythmias.
Seek Professional Help: If you notice persistent irregularities, consult a specialist in heart rhythm care. Appropriate investigation can be arranged to make an evaluation. If needed treatment include medication and specific procedures to help reduce arrhythmia burden can be considered.
Introducing Rhythm Care
Rhythm care is a holistic approach to heart health that blends cutting-edge technology with lifestyle modifications. It’s about more than treating symptoms; it’s about understanding the root causes of arrhythmias and empowering patients to lead healthier lives.
Specialists in rhythm care use tools like electrocardiograms (ECGs), wearable monitors to detect irregularities early and if indicated perform electrophysiological studies to better understand the nature of the rhythm disturbance. These insights guide personalized treatments, helping patients regain confidence in their health.
Your Heart Deserves Attention
Your heart works tirelessly to keep you going—so give it the attention it deserves. Whether it’s by making lifestyle changes or seeking professional guidance, taking steps to understand and care for your heart rhythm can profoundly impact your quality of life.
A healthy rhythm is the key to a healthy life. Let’s take it to heart!
For more information visit www.avahealth.life
Dr Aruna Arujuna
Cardiologist and Heart Rhythm Specialist – MBchB, MD, FHRS, FACC, FESC, FRCP
Tel: 07538385325
Email: Careteam@avahealth.life
