Extrasystole for Dummies

Hey there! So, "extrasystole" is a word that doctors use to describe an extra heartbeat that happens outside of the normal rhythm. Let me explain it this way: think of your heart like a drum that beats to a certain rhythm. Sometimes, an extrasystole is like someone tapping the drum in between the regular beats. It can feel like a flutter in your chest or a skipped beat, and it might make you feel a little anxious.

Now, there are two types of extrasystoles. One is called a premature atrial contraction (PAC), which happens when the upper chambers of your heart beat too soon. The other type is called a premature ventricular contraction (PVC), which is when the lower chambers of your heart beat too soon. Both types can happen to anyone, and they're usually not serious. In fact, a lot of people have extrasystoles and don't even realize it because they don't feel any symptoms. But if you're feeling them a lot or if they make you uncomfortable, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor about it. They can check your heart and make sure everything is A-OK.

So, to sum it up, extrasystole is just an extra heartbeat that happens outside of the normal rhythm. It's like a little drumbeat out of sync with the rest of the music. And while it's usually nothing to worry about, it's always best to get it checked out by a professional to be on the safe side. Hope that makes sense!