Customer question:
Is heart palpitations the same as arrhythmia? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
The term "palpitations" is often used to describe the sensation of a pounding, fast, or irregular heartbeat that a person experiences. Palpitations are not a diagnosis but a symptom that various factors, including arrhythmia, can cause. On the other hand, Arrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm with a disturbance in the speed, regularity, or pattern of heartbeats. Arrhythmias can include both fast heartbeats (tachycardia) and slow heartbeats (bradycardia) and irregular heartbeats such as atrial fibrillation.
So, pulses are subjective feelings that a person experiences. At the same time, an arrhythmia is an objective irregularity in the heart's rhythm that can be confirmed with the help of an electrocardiogram (ECG) or other diagnostic tests. If you notice vibrations or feel unusual sensations in the chest, it is essential to consult a doctor. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination, including diagnostic tests, to determine the cause of your symptoms and determine appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Interesting reading: Irregular heartbeat
Interesting reading: Normal heart rate
