A cardiac arrhythmia, also referred to simply as arrhythmia, disrupts your heart's normal rhythm. Your heart beats in a coordinated pattern to pump blood efficiently throughout your body. Arrhythmias can cause your heart rate to be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or beat in an irregular pattern. This can affect how well your heart pumps blood, potentially leading to symptoms like heart palpitations (fluttering sensations in the chest), shortness of breath, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

Several factors can contribute to arrhythmias. People with underlying heart conditions like coronary artery disease or heart valve problems are at higher risk. Electrolyte imbalances, certain medications, and even excessive caffeine or alcohol intake can also play a role. Sometimes, arrhythmias can occur even in hearts with no structural abnormalities. If you experience any symptoms suggestive of arrhythmias, consulting your doctor is crucial for proper diagnosis and management to prevent complications.

Severe emotional stress can temporarily increase your risk of a heart attack, but it typically doesn't directly cause one. People with underlying risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or coronary artery disease are more susceptible to stress-induced complications. During intense stress, your body releases hormones that cause heart rate and blood pressure to surge. This increased strain on the heart, combined with existing blockages in coronary arteries, can lead to a heart attack in vulnerable individuals.

However, it's important to note that stress alone is unlikely to trigger a heart attack in a healthy person. Chronic stress can certainly contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices like poor diet or lack of exercise, which can indirectly raise your heart attack risk over time. Effective stress management techniques like relaxation exercises or meditation can be helpful in reducing stress and promoting overall cardiovascular health.