Definition
So-called extrasystoles are commonly referred to as heart stumbles. These are extra beats of the heart that occur outside the normal heart action. The heart gets out of sync, so to speak.
This can be perceived as an unpleasant heart stumble. However, many people do not even notice extrasystoles. During physical exertion, for example during sporting activities, heart flutter can occur more frequently.
The causes
Heart stumbling is completely harmless in most cases. It also occurs relatively frequently in young people with a healthy heart. It is caused by a kind of short circuit in the complex conduction system of the heart.
It is not clear why extrasystoles occur in healthy people. However, there are triggers that trigger the occurrence of heart stumbles. These include sport, emotional strain, stress, overtiredness, the consumption of stimulants such as alcohol, nicotine or coffee and drug use.
Extrasystoles also occur in pre-existing heart disease, both during sporting exertion and independently of it. For example, in patients with calcification of the heart vessels (coronary heart disease). Patients who have already suffered a heart attack may also experience extrasystoles.
This is due to the fact that the scar tissue resulting from the infarction can disrupt the conduction of stimuli to the heart. Diseases of the heart muscle such as cardiomyopathies or myocarditis can also lead to heart stumbling. Causes outside the heart can also cause heart stumbling.
For example, hyperthyroidism or deviations in the electrolyte balance of the body. Various drugs can also trigger extrasystoles. Sporting activity can increase the frequency of occurrence of heart flutter in these situations.
Other accompanying symptoms
If a heart stumble occurs during exercise, other accompanying symptoms may be present. In particular, if several extrasystoles occur in succession, the heart stumbling can be unpleasantly noticeable. Sometimes this can lead to restlessness and anxiety.
Increased sweating can also occur. These are symptoms that are primarily psychological in nature and can occur as a reaction to the unpleasant heart stutter. In rare cases, persistent extrasystoles can lead to shortness of breath or dizziness. The following topic may also be of interest to you: Dizziness and circulation
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