While pushing for a personal best during a run, lifting weights at the gym, or completing a HYROX training session, have you suddenly experienced an irregular heartbeat?
Don’t dismiss it as simply a sign of fatigue. In some cases, it may be a symptom of arrhythmia, a heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly.
According to Dr Rerdin Julario, Sp.JP(K) from Mayapada Hospital Surabaya, it is important to distinguish between a normal increase in heart rate during exercise and the warning signs of arrhythmia.
“Heart palpitations during exercise should be taken seriously if they occur suddenly, feel different from usual, last for an extended period, recur without a clear trigger, or are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, weakness, or near-fainting. The risk of arrhythmia is also higher in people with a history of heart disease, heart failure, heart attack, previous heart rhythm disorders, or a family history of sudden cardiac death,” explained Dr Rerdin.
He added, “In some cases, arrhythmia can prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively, reducing blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. This may lead to fainting, low blood pressure, and even progress to a life-threatening condition.”
If these symptoms occur, a heart rhythm assessment is necessary to determine whether a potentially dangerous arrhythmia is present. Dr Agung Fabian Chandranegara, Sp.JP(K), FIHA, from Mayapada Hospital South Jakarta explained:
“Diagnostic tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), continuous heart rhythm monitoring over a period of time, an echocardiogram, and further examinations depending on the patient’s condition. Treatment for arrhythmia is tailored to its underlying cause and may involve lifestyle changes, medication, cardiac ablation to treat heart rhythm disorders, or implantation of a cardiac device (defibrillator).”
For individuals who exercise regularly, it is essential to recognise your body’s limits and avoid pushing through unusual symptoms.
“If you experience abnormal heart palpitations during training, stop exercising immediately and have the condition assessed. Make a note of when the symptoms began, how long they lasted, what activity you were doing beforehand, and any accompanying symptoms. This information can help doctors identify patterns of heart rhythm disorders,” advised Dr Agung.
Therefore, do not wait for the symptoms to disappear on their own. Arrhythmia can develop into a serious, life-threatening condition, making early detection crucial in preventing complications.
Through its Cardiovascular Center, Mayapada Hospital provides comprehensive, internationally recognised cardiac care, covering prevention, diagnosis, intervention, cardiac surgery, and rehabilitation. These services are supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists and advanced medical technology. In emergency situations, the 24/7 Cardiac Emergency service is available to provide comprehensive treatment, supported by anaesthetists on standby around the clock and Cath Lab facilities for rapid and accurate diagnosis and intervention across all Mayapada Hospital locations.
For residents of Surabaya and the surrounding areas, Mayapada Hospital Surabaya also offers comprehensive cardiac services through its Heart & Vascular Center, which is built on three key strengths:
- Emergency Excellence – featuring a dedicated Chest Pain Unit for the immediate management of chest pain, supported by specialist and subspecialist doctors available on-site 24 hours a day.
- Advanced Treatment – providing comprehensive care for vascular disorders, arrhythmias, and structural heart abnormalities, including valve disease, using the latest treatment approaches.
- Team-Based Management – delivered through a collaborative Cardiac Board involving cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiovascular anaesthetists, paediatric cardiologists, and supported by dedicated Cardiac Advisors who assist patients and their families throughout treatment and recovery.
The centre offers a wide range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s condition, including Coronary Angiography (CAG), Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), including Complex PCI, treatment for heart valve and vascular disorders, arrhythmia therapy, and advanced heart failure treatment using the latest Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) technology.
Further information about cardiac services across all Mayapada Hospital locations is available through the Health Articles & Tips feature in the MyCare app, as well as the Personal Health feature, which integrates with Google Fit and Health Access to help users monitor their heart rate, calorie expenditure, step count, and Body Mass Index (BMI).