The heart does more than pump blood throughout the body. Behind every heartbeat is an electrical system that coordinates when the heart muscle contracts, allowing the heart to maintain an organized rhythm.

A normal heartbeat begins with an electrical impulse generated by the sinoatrial, or SA, node, often referred to as the heart's natural pacemaker. When the generation or conduction of these electrical signals is disrupted, the heart may beat too fast, too slowly, or irregularly. This condition is known as an arrhythmia.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Arrhythmias do not always cause noticeable symptoms. In some people, an abnormal rhythm is discovered during a routine health examination.

When symptoms do occur, they may include heart palpitations, a racing or pounding heartbeat, an unusually slow heartbeat, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or fainting.

Because some arrhythmias occur intermittently, symptoms that come and go should not automatically be dismissed, particularly when they recur or are accompanied by other cardiovascular symptoms.

How Are Heart Rhythm Disorders Evaluated?

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the primary tests used to evaluate suspected arrhythmias. It records the heart's electrical activity and can provide information about heart rate, rhythm, and the timing of electrical signals traveling through the heart.

In certain situations, a physician may also recommend an exercise stress test, commonly performed on a treadmill. During the test, heart rhythm and other cardiovascular responses are monitored while the body is under physical stress. This can help identify certain rhythm abnormalities that appear or become more noticeable during exercise.

Depending on the patient's symptoms and medical history, additional evaluations may include Holter monitoring, echocardiography, blood tests for electrolytes or thyroid function, and other diagnostic procedures recommended by a physician.

Early Evaluation Matters

If you frequently experience heart palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, unexplained fatigue, dizziness, or other symptoms that may be related to your heart, consider discussing them with a healthcare professional. Appropriate evaluation can help determine the possible cause and whether additional testing is necessary.

PRAMITA provides a Cardiac Electrical Activity Assessment Panel to support a more comprehensive evaluation of heart health through diagnostic examinations included in the selected package and based on medical indications.

Seek immediate medical attention if palpitations or an irregular heartbeat are accompanied by chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or fainting. These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

Consult your physician or contact your nearest PRAMITA branch for information about heart health examinations appropriate for your individual needs.