Customer question:
Is an irregular heartbeat the same as an arrhythmia? Question from an anonymous forum customer
Pharmacist's answer:
Not necessarily. An irregular heartbeat can refer to the feeling that the heart is beating irregularly, fast, or slow, but this does not mean an arrhythmia is present. Arrhythmia is a medical term for an irregular heart rhythm, including skipping beats, a fast or slow heartbeat, or an irregular heartbeat pattern.
An irregular heartbeat can be caused by a variety of causes, including stress, anxiety, increased physical exertion, dehydration, lack of sleep, stimulants (e.g., caffeine, nicotine), and other factors. Some situations may be temporary and completely normal, while others require medical attention.
Arrhythmias may result from underlying heart problems such as heart valve disease, heart failure, or ischemic heart disease, or they can result from irritation of heart cells or disturbances in the heart's conduction system. If you are experiencing irregular heartbeats, it is essential to consult your doctor about this specific problem.
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