What is arrhythmia? Cardiologist explains
29 September 2026
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Our heart`s function is to tirelessly pump blood around our body to sustain life. Despite its resilience, heart can send us warning signs when it’s under duress or not functioning optimally. Recognising these symptoms is crucial, as early detection can often mean the difference between a manageable condition and a life-threatening emergency. This article describes several common heart symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. It underscores the importance of heart health monitoring and the potential risks associated with dismissing these warning signs.
Chest pains caused by heart problem is known in medical jargon as angina. It is one of the most recognized heart symptoms. It often manifests as a tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation in the chest and can be a precursor to more severe conditions such as a heart attack. While not all chest pain is heart-related, its presence should prompt immediate medical evaluation, especially if it occurs during physical exertion or is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness.
Angina is usually caused by coronary artery disease, which are fatty deposits in the heart arteries. These atherosclerotic plaques can cause progressive narrowing of the lumen, and symptoms occur when oxygen demand increases (such as during exercise). Less commonly, angina is caused by valvular disease (for example aortic stenosis), hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or hypertensive heart disease when oxygen demand is increased in an enlarged heart muscle.
Heart chest pain is a significant predictor of coronary artery disease, especially in individuals with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease .
The difference in symptoms of heart attacks in female patients is described in our previous blog post: https://https://drbart.co.uk/cardiovascular-wellness-among-women/
Dr Bart Olechowski who is a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist specialises in diagnosing and treatment of chest pains, angina and ischaemic heart disease. He consultants patients in his clinics in Winchester, Basingstoke, Farnham and London. Dr Bart performs coronary angiograms and stenting procedures in the Basingstoke Heart Centre.
Shortness of breath, or dyspnoea, is another common heart symptom that can indicate heart failure or other cardiac issues. It occurs when the heart is unable to pump efficiently, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs. This phenomenon in medical jargon is called pulmonary oedema. Breathlessness coming from the heart often worsens with physical activity or when lying down. It can also be accompanied by fatigue and swollen ankles, both of which are also heart health warning signs. Cardiologists often ask their patients about shortness of breath progression and if it is changed in the last year or so. This allows us to accurately assess patients symptoms and help estimate possible heart failure progression. One of the tests utilised to investigate a possible aetiology of shortness of breath is an Echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart. The way Dr Bart`s clinic are set up, allow a comprehensive clinical history and also doing an Echocardiogram during the same visit. In this video Dr Bart explains what is an Echocardiogram and how it helps with a diagnosis of heart failure and heart murmurs. https://youtu.be/r4o95AgjsfU
Heart palpitations, described as the sensation of a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat, can be alarming. While they are often benign and related to stress or anxiety, they can also indicate arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. Conditions like atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia, can present as palpitations. Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AF or AFib, in certain group of patients can be associated with a significant risk of stroke. Supraventricular tachycardia or SVT can present as troublesome symptoms of heart palpitations and dizzy spells. Heart beat monitoring, called Holter can record and formally diagnose or exclude important arrhythmias. Heart beat monitors that we use in our practice are explained in details in this video: https://youtu.be/tpRumQfwBXo . Holters can be arranged via our clinics for private heart patients in Winchester, Basingstoke, Farnham and London.
Everyone sometimes experiences fatigue, but persistent, unexplained tiredness can be a sign of heart disease. Fatigue related to heart problems is usually due to the heart’s inability to supply sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs. This can result in a sense of exhaustion even after minimal physical activity. It is important to distinguish between ordinary tiredness and fatigue associated with heart disease, which tends to be more severe and persistent. Blood tests to test for anaemia, kidney function and thyroid function can help to diagnose the cause of fatigue. Equally further heart tests may be necessary, for instance an ultrasound of the heart, called Echocardiogram.
Dizziness, light-headedness or blackouts can occur when the heart is not pumping blood effectively, leading to inadequate blood flow to the brain. These symptoms can be associated with various heart conditions, including arrhythmias, heart failure, or even severe hypotension. When heart arrhythmia occurs it can lead to either slow or fast heart beat. As a result there may be a hypoperfusion of brain, which can cause dizziness or a blackout. Similarly in patients suffering from hypotension a symptom of light-headedness can occur. Hypotension is defined as low blood pressure. Patients experiencing frequent episodes of dizziness should undergo comprehensive heart health monitoring to rule out underlying heart conditions. Heart test, which can help with a diagnosis of low blood pressure (hypotension) or high blood pressure (hypertension) is called a 24hrs Blood Pressure monitor. It allows an accurate assessment of blood pressure throughout a longer period of time and measuring of possible swings in the blood pressure levels. 24hrs Bloop Pressure monitoring is explained in details in this video: https://youtu.be/uMm0vK7HVGU . Dr Bart`s private clinics have capacity to perform 24hrs Blood Pressure monitoring for patients with symptoms of dizzy spells.
Swollen ankles and legs, known medically as peripheral oedema, can be a sign of heart failure. When the heart’s pumping action is weakened, blood returning to the heart from the veins can back up, causing fluid to accumulate in the tissues. This condition can also be exacerbated by prolonged periods of sitting or standing, especially in hot weather. However persistent legs swelling should not be ignored. If peripheral oedema occurs with other symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, this points even more towards a possible diagnosis of heart failure, heart chambers inability to pump blood efficiently. Heart tests like an Echocardiogram and blood tests (BNP, or NT-proBNP) help with a diagnosis or exclusion of systolic and diastolic dysfunction of the heart muscle.
An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can range from being benign to life-threatening. While some irregular heartbeats are harmless, others can signal serious conditions. One of them is atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia, which in certain patients, who are older or have high blood pressure or diabetes can be a significant risk of stroke. Another arrythmia, which can be perceived as an irregular heart beat are either Supraventricular Ectopic (SVEs) beats or Ventricular Ectopic (VEs) beats. They can be recorded during prolong heart beat monitor and if correlation with symptoms is established, medications like B-blockers (Bisoprolol, Nebivolol) or Calcium Channel Blockers (Diltiazem) can help. Irregular heartbeat is a heart health warning sign, which shouldn`t be ignored and full diagnostic process should be undertaken. Through our private cardiology clinics we can arrange wearable heart beat monitoring of up to 14 days. In addition to this, Dr Bart Olechowski offers some of his private patients prolonged monitoring with injectable recording devices, called LINQ Loop Recorders. Dr Bart is always happy to discuss several options with his patients during his clinical consultations.
Heart health monitoring is a proactive approach to detecting and managing heart symptoms. Regular check-ups, including blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol level checks, and electrocardiograms (ECGs), can help identify potential heart problems before they become critical. Monitoring tools such as wearable devices that track heart rate and rhythm have also become valuable in early detection and management. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a long term matters in terms of prevention of any serious heart issues later on in life. Through our clinics, which are located throughout Hampshire, we can perform lipid profile analysis and individualise patients` risk.
Recognizing the symptoms is only part of the equation; understanding the risk factors that contribute to heart disease is equally important. These include hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease. Each of these factors can exacerbate the likelihood of developing heart-related symptoms and conditions. Therefore, managing these risk factors through lifestyle changes and medication is crucial. Dr Bart is a healthy life style enthusiast and is happy to talk to his patients about life style modifications.
Prevention is always better than cure, and this is especially true when it comes to heart health. Lifestyle changes such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stress can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease. A study published in 2004 in a British medical journal, called Lancet showed that the risk factors, mentioned in the next sentence are responsible for over 90% of all heart attacks. The risk factors include: Abnormal lipids, Smoking, Hypertension, Abdominal obesity, Not enough of fruits and vegetables in daily diet, Alcohol in excess, Psychosocial factors, Diabetes and Lack of regular exercise. According to this research article, collectively these nine risk factors account for 94% of heart attacks in Women and 90% on heart attacks in Men. (https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(04)17018-9/abstract)
Not all heart symptoms require emergency intervention, but knowing when to seek medical help is vital. Symptoms such as sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat should prompt immediate medical attention. Early intervention can prevent a minor issue from escalating into a severe condition. It`s our responsibility as healthcare providers to educate patients and their families on recognizing and responding to these symptoms promptly. Unfortunately, some of signs of heart attacks can be more subtle, which include tiredness, abdominal or back pain, vomiting or sweating, therefore patients should be aware of them too.
Advancements in technology have revolutionised heart health monitoring and management. Wearable devices, mobile apps, and telemedicine have made it easier for individuals to track their heart health in real-time, leading to earlier detection of symptoms and better disease management. These innovations can be beneficial for some patients with chronic heart conditions who require ongoing monitoring. Please let us know in the comments below, if a review of currently available commercial wearable heart beat devices would be of interest to our readers.
Experiencing heart symptoms can be a source of significant anxiety and potentially unnecessary stress. Addressing the psychological aspects of heart symptoms is, therefore, an important part of comprehensive care. Patients often find that going through a diagnostic process and either confirming or excluding any significant heart pathologies help them with daily life and managing their overall wellbeing.
Heart symptoms should never be ignored. Whether it’s chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or swollen ankles, these signs can be the body’s way of signalling a heart condition that requires attention. Early detection and management are key to preventing severe outcomes, and regular heart health monitoring plays a crucial role in this process. By understanding the risks, recognizing the symptoms, and taking proactive steps to maintain heart health, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and lead healthier lives. Dr Bart Olechowski and his team are able to perform diagnostic tests and start appropriate treatment in his private cardiology clinics, which are located in Winchester (Sarum Road Hospital), Basingstoke (Candover Clinic), Farnham (Spire Clare Park Hospital) and London (Luxmedica).
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist in Hampshire, UK.
Dr Bart Olechowski is an experienced Consultant Interventional Cardiologist based in Hampshire, UK. As a specialist in his field, Dr Olechowski leads with expertise, offering premier cardiovascular care.
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