5 critical steps to take when portable EKG machine detects an irregular heartbeat

With a device like a portable EKG machine, individuals with heart conditions can monitor their cardiac health in real-time. But what should you do if you identify an irregular heartbeat using your at-home EKG monitor? The problem is that most people don’t know when to see a doctor or take their heartbeat or heart rhythms seriously. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps you should take, from understanding what an irregular heartbeat means to seeking medical advice.

Understanding irregular heartbeats

Before diving into the actions to take, it’s essential to understand what constitutes an irregular heartbeat. Also known as arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeats don’t work correctly, causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically.

Common types of arrhythmias include:

• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): A rapid, irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke and other heart-related complications.
• Bradycardia: A slower-than-normal heart rate.
• Tachycardia: A faster-than-normal heart rate.
• Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs): Extra heartbeats that originate in the ventricles.

Diagnosing for irregular heartbeat issues

To start, we have to differentiate a pulse and a heartbeat. A heartbeat is the number of times the heart contracts per minute, also known as the bpm, or beats per minute. A pulse is the mechanical pulse of blood that surges through capillaries because of the heart’s contractions.

What we’re looking for to diagnose an irregular heartbeat is to track a pulse over time or use an electrocardiogram (ECG). We can do this with two fingers on a wrist and counting the beats for 10 seconds. If we multiply this by six, we get our heart rate.

A portable EKG machine, like the SonoHealth’s EKGraph, does all the work for us. We set it up, turn it on, and we’re good to go. It’s highly recommended to use a device like this because it’s more accurate and easier to use.

   

Step-by-Step Guide: What to do when you detect an irregular heartbeat with portable EKG machine

Stay Calm

The first and foremost step is to remain calm. An irregular heartbeat can be alarming, but stress and anxiety can exacerbate the situation. Take deep breaths and try to relax as much as possible.

Recheck Your Reading

If you notice an irregular heartbeat on your portable EKG machine, perform a second reading to confirm the irregularity. Sometimes, external factors like movement or improper electrode placement can cause inaccurate readings.

Note Your Symptoms

Pay attention to any accompanying symptoms you might be experiencing, such as:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or pounding)
• Fatigue or weakness

Document these symptoms, as they can be crucial for your healthcare provider to diagnose and manage your condition.

Check Your Home EKG

Ensure that your portable EKG machine is functioning correctly and that the electrodes are properly placed on your body. Poor contact or placement can lead to false readings.

Review Your Recent Activities

Consider any recent activities that could have influenced your heart rate, such as:

• Consumption of caffeine or alcohol
• Strenuous exercise
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Lack of sleep

These factors can sometimes cause temporary changes in your heart rhythm.

Compare with Previous Readings

If you have a history of using your home heart monitor, compare the current reading with previous ones. This comparison can help you and your healthcare provider determine if the irregularity is a new development or part of an ongoing pattern.

Contact Your Healthcare Provider

If you confirm the presence of an irregular heartbeat and especially if you experience concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Provide them with:

• A description of your symptoms
• The EKG readings
• Any relevant personal or family medical history
• Information about recent activities that could have influenced your heart rate

Your healthcare provider may advise you to visit their office, go to an emergency room, or monitor your symptoms at home, depending on the severity of your condition.

Using your home EKG monitor effectively

To make the most out of your portable EKG machine, follow these best practices:

• Daily Monitoring: Regularly check your heart rhythm, especially if you have a history of heart issues.
• Record Keeping: Maintain a log of your EKG readings, symptoms, and any relevant activities. This log can be invaluable during medical consultations.
• Device Maintenance: Ensure your device is well-maintained and calibrated as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Know When to See a Doctor

The normal resting rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. If our pulse consistently exceeds or falls below this average, we should seek immediate medical attention.

Keep a close eye on what your heart is doing with SonoHealth’s EKGraph tool. Take a proactive measure to manage your Atrial Fibrillation today!

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Treating an Irregular Heartbeat

There are a few things we can do to diminish the effects of heart conditions like arrhythmia:

• Eat heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Diet low in salt.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise
• Reduce alcohol and tobacco intake

Doctors, on the other hand, can treat heart conditions. Some forms of treatment include:

• Surgery (Maze procedure and Coronary bypass surgery)
• Implantable devices (Pacemaker or Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator)
• Vagal maneuvers, medication, cardioversion, and catheter ablation (for fast heartbeats)

Irregular Heartbeat and Portable EKG Machine FAQs

1. What are the reasons for irregular heartbeat at night?

Experiencing an irregular heartbeat at night can be unsettling and is influenced by a multitude of factors. Stress and anxiety often play a significant role, as heightened emotional states can disrupt your heart’s normal rhythm. Poor sleep quality or sleep disorders like sleep apnea can also lead to irregular heartbeats, given the frequent interruptions in breathing and oxygen levels these conditions cause. Lifestyle choices such as excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, particularly close to bedtime, can exacerbate the issue. Regular monitoring with a portable EKG machine can provide valuable insights and aid in maintaining heart health.

2. Сan anxiety cause irregular heartbeat?

PVC, or premature ventricular contraction, is one of the most common types of irregular heartbeats. Alcohol, caffeine, and stress can produce temporary PVC. This can, in some cases, be permanent.

3. When should I be worried about an irregular heartbeat?

You should be worried about an irregular heartbeat if it is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or severe fatigue. Immediate medical attention is needed if these symptoms occur, as they may indicate serious conditions such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or a heart attack. Additionally, if the irregular heartbeat persists, occurs frequently, or significantly deviates from your normal heart rhythm, consult your healthcare provider. A portable EKG machine can help track these irregularities and provide valuable information to your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

4. What causes irregular heartbeat? 

Irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, can be caused by various factors, including heart-related conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and lifestyle choices such as excessive caffeine or alcohol intake and smoking. Medical conditions like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, diabetes, and anemia also play a role, as do certain medications and emotional factors like stress and anxiety. Physical factors such as dehydration, fever, and hormonal changes, including those during pregnancy or menopause, can contribute as well.