According to South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of arrhythmia patients in the country surged from approximately 370,000 in 2018 to over 460,000 in 2022. Notably, the sharpest rise—about 30%—occurred among younger adults aged 10 to 30, marking the steepest increase across all age groups.
Dr. Min-Sik Kim, a cardiologist at Incheon Himchan General Hospital, warns that while some arrhythmias are benign, others can be life-threatening. “Arrhythmias vary widely in severity,” he said. “Young people often dismiss symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or fainting as mere exhaustion or stress. However, dangerous arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia can lead to sudden cardiac death without warning.”
Palpitations and Fainting: The Heart’s Warning Signs
Arrhythmias can stem from structural heart conditions, genetics, medications, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. In recent years, lifestyle factors prevalent among younger generations—chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and excessive consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks—have emerged as significant risk factors.
This complacency can have dire consequences. Malignant arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation originating in the heart’s lower chambers, are leading causes of sudden cardiac death, even in young adults.
Early Diagnosis Can Be Lifesaving
Arrhythmias pose risks beyond irregular heartbeats. They can trigger severe complications like cardiac arrest, stroke, or heart failure. Atrial fibrillation, for instance, impairs blood flow, increasing the likelihood of blood clots. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke—a risk five times higher in atrial fibrillation patients compared to the general population.
Left untreated, arrhythmias can also contribute to heart failure, particularly in individuals with underlying conditions like hypertension or diabetes, which amplify the danger. Undiagnosed arrhythmias are a significant factor in sudden cardiac deaths among young people.
Diagnosis typically begins with an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm. For intermittent symptoms, a Holter monitor, which records heart activity for 24 hours or more, may be used. Additional tests, such as stress testing or echocardiography, help evaluate structural or functional heart issues.
For patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulants may be prescribed to reduce the risk of clot formation. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical in determining treatment and improving outcomes.
Dr. Kim emphasizes the importance of vigilance, especially for those with a family history of heart disease or sudden death. “Even young individuals should prioritize vascular health and regular heart checkups,” he advises.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
