Don't Ignore Heart Palpitations: Expert Advice on Recognizing and Managing Arrhythmia

Adapted from an article originally published in Shin Min Daily News (新明日报), July 7, 2026, featuring insights from Dr Devinder Singh, Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Cadence Heart Centre, Beyond Medical Group.

Occasionally feeling your heart skip a beat or race isn't necessarily a sign of illness. But if the symptoms persist or are accompanied by dizziness, breathlessness, or fainting, they could be a warning sign of arrhythmia. Left unchecked, certain types of arrhythmia can even raise your risk of stroke.

When Should You Be Concerned?

According to Dr Devinder Singh, occasional palpitations are generally normal. However, symptoms that are persistent or worsening should not be ignored.

Warning signs to watch for include:

• Irregular or unusually fast heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting
• Shortness of breath or unusual fatigue
• Reduced exercise tolerance

Dr Devinder also notes that patients with high blood pressure are under greater cardiac strain, which combined with arrhythmia, can significantly affect blood circulation. High blood pressure patients also have a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib), one of the most common types of arrhythmia. If these symptoms recur, medical attention should be sought promptly.

Why Atrial Fibrillation Raises Stroke Risk

Dr Devinder explains that AFib is one of the most common forms of arrhythmia, and one that deserves particular attention because of its link to stroke.

During AFib, the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) fail to contract effectively, causing blood to pool and potentially clot, particularly in a heart structure called the left atrial appendage.

If a blood clot travels from the heart to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke. Compared to people without AFib, those with the condition face roughly a fivefold increase in stroke risk.

Early prevention therefore focuses on two key areas:

1. Screening and monitoring to detect AFib early through appropriate tests.
2. Stroke risk assessment, using established clinical scoring systems, with anticoagulant (blood-thinning) therapy initiated where necessary to reduce clot formation.

Controlling blood pressure is equally important, since poorly managed hypertension further increases stroke risk.

Lifestyle Habits That Can Trigger Arrhythmia

Dr Devinder points to several everyday habits that can increase the risk of arrhythmia and make blood pressure harder to control:

• Excessive alcohol consumption is a well-known trigger, particularly for AFib.
• Poor sleep quality, including obstructive sleep apnea, raises the risk of both arrhythmia and high blood pressure.
• Dehydration disrupts electrolyte balance, and stable electrolyte levels are essential for maintaining a normal heart rhythm.
• Chronic stress and lack of exercise are also common contributors, potentially causing blood pressure to rise persistently and increasing arrhythmia risk over time.

As for caffeine — while excessive intake may cause a faster heartbeat, it is generally not considered a risk factor for arrhythmia itself.

Improving these lifestyle factors can help keep the cardiovascular system stable. However, if symptoms persist despite lifestyle adjustments alone, further treatment may be needed.

When Symptoms Signal a Medical Emergency

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care right away if you experience:

• Chest pain
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Palpitations accompanied by dizziness, weakness, or an extremely fast or irregular heartbeat

Signs of a possible stroke — such as sudden weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, facial drooping, or loss of coordination also require emergency treatment.

For patients with poorly controlled high blood pressure, the above symptoms should prompt an even earlier visit to a doctor. And for those managing both arrhythmia and high blood pressure, good blood pressure control remains a key part of overall treatment.

Treatment Q&A

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health.