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Dr. Xand: Recognize These Heart Palpitation Red Flags
3 Sep
Summary
- Sudden rapid or irregular heartbeats may signal a need for medical help.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting are emergency symptoms.
- Call 999 for serious symptoms; use 111 for non-emergency advice.
Health expert Dr. Xand van Tullen advises that people experiencing concerning heart palpitations should seek medical help. While occasional awareness of one's heartbeat is usually harmless, a sudden change in rhythm can be a warning sign.
Dr. Xand emphasizes that if a heartbeat becomes extremely fast, irregular, or skips beats consistently, it's crucial to consult a GP or call 999. He personally experienced atrial fibrillation, recognizing it by a chaotic pulse that was impossible to tap a foot to.
Serious symptoms like crushing chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, fainting, or feeling on the verge of collapse require immediate emergency services. He stressed that individuals experiencing these should not attempt to drive themselves.
For non-emergency advice regarding heart concerns or ongoing strange sensations, NHS 111 Online or calling 111 is recommended.
