Why Heart Rhythm Matters

When we think about heart health, conditions such as heart attacks, high cholesterol and high blood pressure often come to mind. However, the rhythm of the heart is equally important. During World Heart Rhythm Week, healthcare professionals and organisations worldwide work to raise awareness of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) and encourage people to recognise symptoms that should not be ignored.

Your heart beats approximately 100,000 times each day, pumping oxygen-rich blood around the body. Normally, these beats occur in a regular, coordinated pattern. While it is natural for the heart rate to increase during exercise and slow down during rest, sometimes the heart's electrical system can become disrupted, causing an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia.

Some arrhythmias are harmless and temporary, while others may require medical assessment, monitoring or treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Rhythm Disorder?

People experience heart rhythm disturbances in different ways. Common symptoms may include:

• A racing heartbeat (tachycardia)

• Fluttering or flickering sensations in the chest

• Feeling that the heart has skipped beats

• Sudden pounding or forceful heartbeats

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance

• Chest discomfort

• Fainting or near-fainting episodes

  
  

While occasional palpitations can be common, particularly during times of stress or hormonal change, persistent or worsening symptoms should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Atrial Fibrillation: The Most Common Heart Rhythm Disorder

One of the most common arrhythmias is atrial fibrillation (AF). AF occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles).

Atrial fibrillation becomes more common with age and affects millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, AF can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation may include:

• Irregular or rapid heartbeat

• Palpitations

• Breathlessness

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Reduced ability to exercise

Some people experience no symptoms at all, which is why regular health checks are important.

Menopause and Heart Palpitations

For many women, recognising heart rhythm symptoms can be particularly challenging because some symptoms overlap with those experienced during perimenopause and menopause.

Heart palpitations during menopause are extremely common and are often linked to fluctuating hormone levels, particularly changes in oestrogen. Oestrogen has important effects on the cardiovascular system, and hormonal fluctuations can influence both heart rate and the perception of heartbeat sensations.

Women frequently describe:

• A sudden awareness of their heartbeat

• Fluttering sensations in the chest

• Brief episodes of a rapid heartbeat

• Feeling that the heart has missed or skipped a beat

• Palpitations occurring alongside hot flushes or anxiety

  
  

In many cases, menopausal palpitations are benign and improve over time. However, symptoms should not automatically be attributed to hormonal changes alone. Persistent, severe or new symptoms may warrant further investigation to exclude an underlying heart rhythm disorder or other medical condition.

What Can Trigger Heart Palpitations?

Several factors can contribute to palpitations and heart rhythm changes, including:

• Stress and anxiety

• Poor sleep quality

• Excess caffeine consumption

• Alcohol intake

• Smoking

• Thyroid disorders

• Anaemia

• High blood pressure

• Existing cardiovascular disease

• Certain medications

Understanding and addressing these contributing factors can often help reduce symptoms.

Supporting Heart Health During Midlife and Beyond

Protecting cardiovascular health is important at every stage of life, particularly during and after menopause when cardiovascular risk naturally increases.

Practical ways to support heart health include:

Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise supports cardiovascular fitness, helps maintain a healthy weight and can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

A Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, oily fish, nuts and healthy fats has been shown to support long-term heart health.

Prioritise Sleep

Poor sleep can contribute to palpitations, increased stress levels and cardiovascular risk.

Reduce Smoking and Excess Alcohol

Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with an increased risk of heart rhythm disorders and cardiovascular disease.

Manage Stress

Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and regular physical activity may help reduce stress-related palpitations.

Attend Regular Health Checks

Routine monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose levels and cardiovascular risk factors can help identify problems early.

When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Attention?

Seek immediate medical advice if you experience:

• Chest pain or pressure

• Severe shortness of breath

• Fainting or loss of consciousness

• Sudden prolonged episodes of rapid heartbeat

• Symptoms suggestive of a stroke, such as facial drooping, speech difficulties or weakness on one side of the body

These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition requiring urgent assessment.

The Importance of Listening to Your Heart

World Heart Rhythm Week serves as an important reminder that heart health is about more than blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Understanding your body's signals, recognising symptoms early and seeking appropriate medical advice can help prevent complications and support long-term wellbeing.

At Bristol Menopause Clinic, we understand that symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause can sometimes overlap with cardiovascular conditions. Taking a holistic approach ensures women receive appropriate assessment, reassurance and support for both hormonal health and overall wellbeing.

Concerned about your heart health?

Our comprehensive Wellwoman Health Checks are designed to assess key aspects of your cardiovascular and overall health, helping to identify potential risk factors before they become problems. If you'd like a clearer picture of your health during midlife and beyond, speak to our team about booking your assessment today.

Book your Wellwoman Health Check and take control of your future health. Book here

References

Arrhythmia Alliance. Heart Rhythm Awareness Resources.

British Heart Foundation. Understanding Arrhythmias and Atrial Fibrillation.

NHS. Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Rhythm Disorders Guidance.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Atrial Fibrillation: Diagnosis and Management (NG196).

British Menopause Society. Menopause and Cardiovascular Health Guidance.

Wellwoman Checks