Experiencing Abnormal Heart Rhythms: Understanding Extrasystoles and Atrial Fibrillation

To some, occasional feelings of their heart literally dropping or beating very quickly may be alarming. However, it is important to understand the possible causes and whether these symptoms warrant a medical consultation.

Understanding Your Symptoms

Your description of feeling your heart drop and/or it starting to beat very quickly, happening 2-3 times a week, could be related to extrasystoles or atrial fibrillation. It is crucial to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis.

What are Extrasystoles?

Extrasystoles, commonly known as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), are irregular heartbeats that start in the ventricles. Without external stimulation from the atria, the ventricles initiate their own heartbeat. This causes the heart’s rhythm to become irregular and sometimes feels as if the heart stops or skips a beat.

When an extrasystole occurs, the adjacent normal heart contraction is often delayed. This is due to the longer interval between the normal beat right before the extrasystole and the one right after, divided by two, being much larger than the previous R-R intervals. This delay is often perceived as a pause or a feeling of your heart stopping.

Common Symptoms and Their Perception

The most common symptom of extrasystoles is a missed beat, making you feel as if your heart has stopped for a moment. Additionally, after an extrasystole, the heart often starts to beat very quickly. This increase in heart rate can be due to the body's compensatory mechanisms trying to restore normal cardiac rhythm.

Causes of Irregular Heartbeats

Heart irregularities may also be caused by something known as a heart block. A heart block disrupts the normal conduction of electrical impulses through the heart, causing different symptoms than those of extrasystoles. Only a cardiologist can determine if your experience is due to an extrasystole or a heart block.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Your description of both the dropping sensation and the rapid heartbeat after an episode are concerning. It is important not to self-diagnose. Without an ECG recording and a thorough medical examination, it is impossible to determine the exact cause. Certain medical conditions, including the use of specific medications, can lead to these feelings.

Conclusion

Given the seriousness of heart-related symptoms, it is highly advisable to seek medical advice. If you have a wearable device capable of recording an ECG, capturing an event can provide valuable information that your doctor can use to make an initial diagnosis. Remember, only a cardiologist can provide a definitive diagnosis and determine if your symptoms indicate a more serious condition, such as atrial fibrillation.

Be wise, be decisive, and stay healthy. Careful evaluation and timely intervention can help you understand and manage your symptoms effectively.