26/02/2026
Ectopic Heartbeat (Premature Beat)
Definition: A single, early, or extra beat followed by a brief pause and a stronger-feeling thump.
Sensation: A "skipped" beat, flutter, or thump in the chest or throat.
Cause: Often benign; triggered by caffeine, alcohol, stress, anxiety, or fatigue.
Danger: Almost always harmless and not a sign of heart damage, though frequent ones may warrant investigation.
Irregular Heartbeat (General Arrhythmia)
Definition: A general term for any abnormal rhythm where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an erratic pattern.
Examples: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) (chaotic rhythm), tachycardia (fast), or bradycardia (slow).
Cause: Can be benign, but often associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, or thyroid issues.
Danger: Can be harmless, but some, like AF, can increase stroke risk.