According to him, he hears the phrase "my heart is skipping" almost daily.
“Some say it with a smile, others with concern. However, behind these words can lie both a common condition and a serious problem that increases the risk of stroke or sudden death,” the specialist noted.
As an arrhythmologist, Damirbek Osmonov emphasizes that ignoring rhythm disturbances is a bad idea, even if they disappear on their own.
The cardiologist shares examples from his practice:
First story: “I’m 38, is this dangerous?”
A 38-year-old man came for a consultation, not expecting serious problems — “sometimes I feel that my heart beats irregularly.” He did not experience pain, engages in sports, and looks healthy.
However, examinations revealed atrial fibrillation — the most common arrhythmia, which is one of the main causes of ischemic stroke.
Patients often ask:
“Doctor, is this dangerous at my age?”
The danger lies not in the sensation of irregularities, but in the fact that atrial fibrillation can lead to the formation of clots that can “travel” to the brain and cause a stroke — suddenly and without warning. Therefore, modern treatment begins not with a “rhythm pill,” but with assessing stroke risks and choosing methods of protection against it.
The most common arrhythmias:
Atrial fibrillation — irregular rhythm, often without pain, but with a high risk of stroke.
Supraventricular tachycardias — sudden episodes of rapid heartbeat, more commonly seen in young and seemingly healthy individuals.
Ventricular arrhythmias — the most dangerous group, capable of causing loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.
Bradycardia and blocks — cases where the heart beats too slowly.
It is important to understand that the same symptoms can mean different risks for different people.
Second story: “Episodes attributed to stress”
A 26-year-old woman experienced episodes of sharp heartbeat for several years. She was told: “It’s stress,” “It’s vegetative,” “Take a sedative.”
However, one day an episode was recorded on an ECG, confirming the diagnosis — supraventricular tachycardia.
After catheter ablation (an electrophysiological/Radiofrequency ablation procedure through blood vessels), the episodes completely disappeared. It is important for patients to understand: not everything can be treated with pills and is not always related to nerves.
When to urgently call for medical help:
You should seek medical assistance immediately if irregularities or rapid heartbeat are accompanied by:
- fainting or sudden weakness,
- pain or pressure in the chest,
- significant shortness of breath,
- speech disturbances or weakness in the limbs.
- In such situations, time is of the essence.
How rhythm disturbances are treated today
Modern arrhythmology has moved away from the approach of “making the ECG look good.” We focus on treating not the indicators, but the risks to life and improving quality of life.
The main goals of therapy:
1) reduce the risk of stroke (especially in atrial fibrillation);
2) control the pulse or restore rhythm if necessary;
3) apply procedures such as ablation when they are most effective.
Recent international studies show that for some patients with atrial fibrillation, early rhythm control can improve prognosis, not just overall well-being. Therefore, treatment is always individual — there are no universal solutions.
A pacemaker and defibrillator are not the end
Sometimes the problem lies not in a frequent, but in a too-slow pulse. In such cases, a pacemaker is not a “last resort,” but a way to restore a normal life.
In cases of high risk of dangerous arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular tachycardias), an implanted defibrillator can save lives, as confirmed by large international studies.
The main message I want to convey
Heart rhythm disturbances are not always dangerous, but they always require attention.
If your heart “skips” regularly, if there are episodes, dizziness, or weakness — it’s better to get an accurate diagnosis than to live in ignorance.
Sometimes observation is enough. Sometimes treatment is needed. And sometimes — just one procedure.
But generally, the right approach starts with a simple thing: do not ignore the signals your heart sends.
