Definition
Heart stumbling is colloquially referred to as extra beats of the heart, so-called extrasystoles. They occur in the normal heart rhythm and are therefore arrhythmic. Many people have occasional heart flutter. Many of them do not even notice the occasional extra beats, others notice them as a somewhat unpleasant out-of-balance or stumbling of the heart. Stumbling of the heart often occurs at rest.
The causes
Heart stumbling is caused by misdirected impulses that are generated outside the regular pacemaker center of the heart, the sinus node. One speaks of ectopic excitation centers. There are various causes for heart stuttering.
They occur most frequently in young, heart-healthy people who have no significant previous illnesses. Possible triggers can be stimulating substances such as caffeine, alcohol or nicotine, but also drugs. Other possible triggers are psychological or physical stress, fatigue and sport.
In some people, extrasystoles occur more frequently after opulent meals or highly bloated food. However, pre-existing heart diseases can also lead to heart stumbles. For example, calcification of the coronary arteries (coronary heart disease, or CHD), but also diseases of the heart muscle such as cardiomyopathies or inflammatory diseases of the heart such as myocarditis.
Even after a heart attack, heart stumbling can often occur, since the scar from the infarction can disrupt the conduction of stimuli in the heart. Diseases that do not affect the heart can also cause heart stumbling. One example is hyperthyroidism.
Heart stumbling can also occur when the electrolyte balance of the body is disturbed, for example in the context of severe diarrhoea or vomiting. An overactive thyroid gland can lead to heart stumbling. Causes of hyperthyroidism can include autoimmune processes (Graves’ disease) or decoupled autonomous areas in the area of the thyroid (thyroid autonomy), usually referred to as nodes.
In both cases there is an increased production of thyroid hormones. These have an activating effect on the cardiovascular system, and may cause heart palpitations and heart stumbling, but also other cardiac dysrhythmias. The heart stumbling often occurs from complete rest.
- Heart stumbling through the thyroid gland
- The symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
