Heart Arrhythmias: When Your Heartbeat Needs Investigation

When You Feel Your Heartbeat

A healthy heart beats steadily and unnoticed. When you become aware of your heartbeat — racing, skipping, fluttering, or pounding — it demands attention. Palpitations are among the most common complaints in Lagos adult medicine, and while many are benign, some represent significant arrhythmias that require treatment.

Common Arrhythmia Types

FXMed tip: If any of this sounds familiar, our Functional Health Analysis may be exactly what you need. Book a free assessment to find out where your health stands today.

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) — chaotic, irregular rhythm; dramatically increases stroke risk if untreated; very common over age 60
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) — sudden rapid heart rate, often starting and stopping abruptly; common in young adults
• Ventricular ectopics (VEs) — "skipped beats" or extra beats; often benign but require context assessment
• Ventricular tachycardia — rapid beats from the ventricle; potentially dangerous; needs urgent specialist review

Functional Root Causes to Address

Many arrhythmias have modifiable metabolic drivers:

• Magnesium deficiency — magnesium is the heart's natural antiarrhythmic mineral; deficiency is extremely common and clinically impactful
• Thyroid (see our hormones guide) disease — both hypo- and hyperthyroidism cause arrhythmias; hyperthyroidism causes AF and should be screened in every new arrhythmia patient
• Electrolyte imbalance — low potassium or calcium causes arrhythmia; relevant in those using diuretics or with poor dietary intake
• Caffeine, alcohol, stimulants — significant triggers in sensitive individuals
• Sleep (see our sleep health guide) apnoea — nocturnal oxygen dips trigger AF; extremely underdiagnosed in Lagos

FXMed's Cardiac Arrhythmia Assessment

ECG, thyroid function, electrolytes, magnesium, full blood count, and 24-hour Holter monitoring referral where indicated. We review your results, identify modifiable drivers, and facilitate specialist referral when needed. Book your cardiac assessment today.