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3 Common Heart Abnormalities and How to Spot Them

Did you know nearly 800,000 people in the United States suffer from heart abnormalities yearly? This is significant because cardiac health can affect any of us, so heart abnormalities should never be overlooked.

Understanding the impact and discovering more about your condition and treatment are necessary steps to managing the effects of a heart condition.

Here is everything you need to know about heart abnormalities and why an irregular heart rhythm can mean trouble.

Common Heart Abnormalities

People with irregular heart rhythms or other abnormalities may experience grief and anxiety. This can be a scary time, but you are never alone.

If you feel helpless and distressed, remember these are normal reactions to a crisis. It is essential to contact health professionals to get the support and respect you deserve.

1. Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias happen when your heart stops beating in a regular rhythm. This is when your heart may be beating too fast or too slow. This is because there is a malfunction in some part of your heart’s electrical system.

Your system transfers electric impulses around the heart that causes the muscle to contract. This is what leads to a heartbeat.

Some feelings associated with arrhythmias include extra heartbeats, rapid pounding in the chest, or skipping a heartbeat. Some arrhythmias are not too serious, while others may require medical support.

Here is the best implantable heart rhythm monitor to give you an understanding of your regular rhythm to monitor if anything changes.

 2. Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the process where blood, cholesterol, and fats build up on the walls of your arteries. These deposits or plaques can form and block your arteries.

This can cause a blood clot or rupture that can be very dangerous. Atherosclerosis is the condition that leads to the most strokes and heart attacks.

There are no visible symptoms. Unless you suffer from a heart attack, it is necessary to undergo regular health checks. Especially if you are over the age of 40. Always stay in touch with your doctor to keep your heart condition healthy.

3. Angina

Angina is the scary feeling of discomfort or chest pain. This can occur if you are exercising a lot or going through intense emotions during a stressful time.

Having angina feels like your heart is not receiving enough oxygen and blood. This can be a result of narrow coronary arteries. Every person can experience different sensations.

So, it is essential to recognize your own symptoms. Keep a watchful eye for tightness or heaviness around the center of your chest. You may also experience shortness of breath and pain in your arms or shoulders.

Sometimes, you may also feel some discomfort in your jaw and neck. Some of the lesser symptoms of angina are pain from the chest to back, fainting, and sweating.

Seek Treatment Today

Now that you know the three most common heart abnormalities to watch for, it is time to contact your doctor if you suspect any of the symptoms mentioned above.

It is normal to feel afraid and alone if you ever get diagnosed with a heart problem. However, seeking medical help to get everything checked while leaning on your loved ones for support is crucial.

If you enjoyed reading this cardiac health guide, check out some of our other posts.