Arrhythmia in older adults is often overlooked, recognising the warning signs and undergoing routine screening can prevent serious complications.
Advancing age is a critical phase of life, as the risk of various health conditions increases, including heart rhythm disorders such as arrhythmia. Arrhythmia occurs when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. Left undetected, it can lead to serious complications, including stroke, heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. For this reason, early detection is essential to prevent more severe outcomes.
According to dr Rerdin Julario, Sp.JP(K), an arrhythmia specialist at Mayapada Hospital Surabaya, many cases of arrhythmia in older adults go unnoticed because the symptoms are often dismissed as minor complaints or simply part of the ageing process.
“Warning signs of arrhythmia include palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, dizziness or light-headedness, unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and sudden fainting,” Dr Rerdin explained.
Beyond recognising symptoms, Dr Rerdin emphasised the importance of medical examinations for accurate diagnosis. “Screening can be carried out through an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm, a Holter monitor that records heart activity for 24–48 hours, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the heart’s structure and function. Blood tests are also useful for checking electrolyte levels and thyroid hormones. In addition, wearable devices such as smartwatches can now help detect abnormal heart rhythm patterns,” he said.
Routine screening is particularly important for older adults due to natural changes in the heart’s structure and function, including thickening of the heart walls, a slowing of the electrical conduction system, and imbalances in the body’s electrolytes.
“Older patients often have additional risk factors that can trigger arrhythmia, such as high blood pressure, which may enlarge the heart; coronary heart disease, which restricts blood flow; electrolyte imbalances involving potassium, magnesium or sodium; and the use of certain medications, including antihypertensives, antidepressants and cold remedies. That is why screening is crucial — to prevent complications, tailor treatment appropriately, improve quality of life and reduce future healthcare costs,” Dr Rerdin stressed.
The good news, he added, is that several simple steps can help reduce the risk of arrhythmia. “Undergo regular heart check-ups, maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, limit caffeine, alcohol and smoking, engage in light exercise regularly, and manage stress through meditation or relaxing activities. It is also important to take prescribed medication as directed and never stop without consulting a doctor,” he concluded.
As part of its commitment to safeguarding public heart health, Mayapada Hospital Surabaya, through its Heart & Vascular Centre, supports arrhythmia prevention and rehabilitation through a collaborative and comprehensive approach built on three main service pillars.
The first pillar, Advanced Treatment, covers vascular services, heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmia), and structural heart conditions such as valvular heart disease, using the latest treatment approaches. The second pillar, Emergency Excellence, delivers integrated cardiac emergency care with rapid and precise response in line with international protocol standards. Services include a 24-hour on-site Cardiac Emergency team accessible via the call centre at 150990 or through the Emergency Call feature on MyCare, as well as a Chest Pain Unit for early chest pain detection. The third pillar, Team-Based Management, ensures that clinical decisions and treatment plans are determined collaboratively through a Cardiac Board comprising cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiovascular anaesthesiologists and paediatric cardiologists.
This multidisciplinary approach enables the team to determine the most appropriate interventions — from Coronary Angiography (CAG) and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), including Complex PCI, to the management of heart valve and vascular disorders, heart rhythm abnormalities, and advanced heart failure therapy supported by the latest Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) technology.
The service is further strengthened by a dedicated Cardiac Advisor who guides patients and their families from initial diagnosis through to recovery, ensuring that every medical decision is clearly understood, care proceeds smoothly, and any concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.
Comprehensive information about heart services across all Mayapada Hospital units is available through the Health Articles & Tips feature on MyCare, along with the Personal Health feature connected to Google Fit and Health Access to monitor heart rate, calorie intake, steps and Body Mass Index (BMI).