The heart beats thanks to tiny electrical signals. Inside the heart, a specialized system generates and transmits regular electrical impulses much like an intricate clock. Electrical signals starting from the sinoatrial node pass through the atrioventricular node and spread across the entire heart, driving repeated contraction and relaxation. When a disruption occurs in these electrical signals and the pulse beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly, it is called an arrhythmia. Just as Donguibogam viewed palpitations as arising from a disharmony of qi and blood or the seven emotions, modern medicine also recognizes diverse causes for arrhythmia. Most commonly, autonomic nervous system imbalance brought on by excessive stress or anxiety, excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol, and sleep deprivation can overstimulate the heart and trigger temporary arrhythmias. In these cases, the feeling of a racing heart is something readily felt in daily life. What requires greater caution, however, are arrhythmias caused by underlying diseases. Endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism, hypertension, diabetes, anemia, as well as structural heart problems or dysfunction like myocardial infarction and heart failure, can induce or worsen arrhythmias. In particular, specific arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation can raise the risk of stroke by up to five times, and fatal arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation can lead to immediate cardiac arrest. If these small warnings from the heart are ignored, they can lead beyond mere palpitations to life-threatening complications. If you frequently experience palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath, you should visit a medical facility for an accurate evaluation. Do not miss the distress signals sent by your body's delicate electrical system.
