IN light of Heart Rhythm Awareness Week (3 to 9 June), Netcare Umhlanga Hospital hoped to educate the public on heart arrhythmia through a public awareness campaign.

Scientific research has estimated that as many as one in four adults over the age of 40 will develop some form of irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia, yet many South Africans are not aware of this common condition which can cause a life-threatening cardiac event or stroke.

However, Dr Anchen Laubscher, medical director at Netcare, said people of all ages can suffer from this condition.

According to Dr Israel ‘Pro’ Obel, a cardiologist at Netcare Milpark Hospital, a heart rhythm disorder or cardiac arrhythmia is when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly or irregularly.

“This is caused by one or more faults in the electrical circuitry of the heart. Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical properties of the heart’s cells and tissues in order to diagnose and successfully treat cardiac arrhythmia,” he said.

All of this information is useless, however, if people are unaware that they suffer from the condition. The most common symptoms include palpitations (missed, additional or a racing heartbeat), dizziness, fainting, as well as shortness of breath, chest discomfort and chest pains.

According to Arrhythmia Alliance, an organisation that aims to improve awareness of cardiac arrhythmia, people can monitor their own heart rate and heart rhythm to help them determine whether they might have any heart rhythm problems.

Dr Connel Barnabas, a cardiologist who practices at Netcare Umhlanga Hospital, said people should seek advice if their pulse seems to be racing for much of the time and they feel unwell. An early diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life and even save lives.

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