Ectopic heart rate: when the heartbeat occurs erratic sinks & bull; hello healthy

Your heart usually beats in a regular rhythm and judges the right one for the work your body is doing at all times. The normal heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest. However, the heart rate may suddenly disappear or even increase suddenly. This heart rate abnormality is known as an ectopic heartbeat.

What is an ectopic heart rate?

Ectopic heartbeat is a condition characterized by a loss of one beat or an extra beat. An ectopic heartbeat is also known as a premature heartbeat.

Ectopic heartbeat occurs suddenly for no apparent reason. Changes in pulse can also be recognized by the owner of the body or not. For example, one beat beat you miss when you are stressed or feeling anxious.

This is quite common and usually does not have serious health consequences.

Based on the origin, there are two types of ectopic heart rate, namely:

• Premature atrial contractions - ectopic heart rate that occurs in the upper (atrium) heart of the heart.
• Premature ventricular contractions - ectopic heart rate that occurs in the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.

Anyone can experience this condition at any age. In childhood, the ectopic heart rate usually originates from the upper chambers of the heart and is harmless. Whereas in adulthood, this condition occurs in the lower chamber.

The appearance of an ectopic heart rate generally becomes more frequent with age.

What caused it?

Several things can cause an ectopic heartbeat, including:

• Consume caffeine
• Smoke
• Consuming drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana and amphetamines
• Eat spicy and salty foods
• You are under stress
• Are feeling nervous or anxious
• Have a panic attack
• Hormonal changes
• Side effects of alcohol consumption
• Are in physical activity
• Have a deficiency in potassium levels
• Side effects of consuming allergy or cold medicines, such as antihistamines.
• Side effects of taking regular medications for asthma, such as inhalers; salbutamol, ipratropium bromide.
• Side effects of the consumption of hypertension drugs hydralazine and minoxidil
• Other health problems.

Ectopic heart rate is also more common in individuals who:

• Have a family history of ectopic heart rate
• Have a history of heart attack
• Suffering from heart disease
• Have an infection of the heart muscle
• Have hypertension

Ectopic heartbeats are also common in pregnant women, as their bodies and cardiovascular systems experience changes in supply and demand. Both pregnant women and babies in the womb can experience this condition, but in general it is not dangerous for pregnancy health

Other health conditions related to ectopic heart rate

In addition to feeling lost and an increase in heart rate, this condition can also be accompanied by symptoms of heart health problems, such as:

• Heart beat.
• Heart rate feels faster.
• Heart feels stopped.
• Feeling limp.
• Head feels dizzy.

Ectopic heart rate generally does not cause complications on heart health. However, this condition can be an early sign and can develop heart problems such as:

• Ventricular tachycardia - which is characterized by a faster and irregular heartbeat
• Arrhythmia - an irregular heart rhythm disorder; can be too fast or too slow.

How can an ectopic heart rate be recognized?

This condition may occur without realizing it because it does not have specific signs and distinctive effects. However, if you often feel disturbances such as loss of heart rate, you should check with your doctor.

Diagnosis of an ectopic heart rate also aims to find other heart rhythm disorders. This is done using several diagnostic methods such as a 24-hour heart rate monitor, checking the rhythm and electrical signals of the heart with an electrocardiogram and other functional examinations using an echocardiogram, MRI or CT-scan.

What is the handling like?

Usually doctors do not take specific measures to treat an ectopic heart rate.

Even though there is an increase or decrease in the beats, the heart is generally still working properly. The symptoms of an ectopic heart rate may also go away and get better on their own.

If the symptoms do not go away on their own, the doctor will further check to find out the cause behind the appearance of an ectopic heartbeat.

On the other hand, the emergence of an ectopic heartbeat can be prevented by avoiding common abnormal heart rate triggers such as stress, alcohol consumption and smoking, or other triggers such as excessive caffeine consumption.

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