A jumping or skipping heartbeat, irregular palpitations, or a heart rate that feels faster than usual can cause discomfort and even anxiety. This condition may be triggered by various factors, ranging from heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation arrhythmia, anxiety and stress, to lifestyle habits like consuming caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine. In some cases, abnormal heart sensations can also indicate an underlying heart condition that requires further medical evaluation.
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital provides modern treatment for complaints of a jumping or skipping heartbeat caused by atrial fibrillation arrhythmia through cardiac ablation using the Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) method. This procedure is performed by a consultant cardiologist specializing in arrhythmia, dr. Sebastian Andy Manurung, Sp.JP, Subsp. Ar(K), FIHA, using technology designed to help restore a more normal heart rhythm with high precision and minimal risk to surrounding tissues.
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Causes of a Jumping or Skipping Heartbeat
Below are several common causes of a jumping or skipping heartbeat:
1. Anxiety and stress
A jumping or skipping heartbeat is often triggered by non-cardiac factors, one of which is anxiety and stress. When a person feels nervous, panicked, or excessively tense, the body releases stress hormones that can affect heart rhythm. This condition can become a recurring cycle, as uncomfortable heart sensations may further increase anxiety. Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or tai chi can help relieve these symptoms.
2. Consumption of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and certain medications
Substances entering the body play a significant role in triggering palpitations or a sensation of the heart “jumping.” Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine are known to increase the frequency of heart rhythm disturbances in some individuals. In addition, certain medications—both over-the-counter drugs such as cold remedies and weight-loss products, as well as prescription medications like asthma drugs—may also trigger palpitations. Identifying and reducing lifestyle-related triggers is often an effective first step in managing symptoms.
3. Atrial fibrillation arrhythmia
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common medical causes of an irregular heartbeat. In this condition, the upper chambers of the heart beat out of sync, resulting in a rapid and irregular heart rhythm. Atrial fibrillation occurs more frequently in older adults and in individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or other chronic conditions. In addition to palpitations, symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain, and it significantly increases the risk of stroke if left untreated.
4. Heart disease
Various types of heart disease can also cause the sensation of a jumping or skipping heartbeat. Disorders affecting the heart valves, heart muscle, or coronary arteries may lead to abnormal heart rhythms. One common example is mitral valve prolapse, which often causes palpitations. To determine the underlying cause, doctors may perform examinations such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, or other cardiac tests as needed.
5. Overactive thyroid gland
Excessive thyroid hormone levels can accelerate the body’s metabolism, including increasing heart rate and causing palpitations. This condition, known as hyperthyroidism, can be easily diagnosed through blood tests. With proper treatment, thyroid hormone levels can be controlled, helping to reduce abnormal heart rhythm symptoms.
Treatment for a Jumping or Skipping Heartbeat Due to Atrial Fibrillation at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Cardiac ablation using the Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) method is the latest technology for treating atrial fibrillation arrhythmia by delivering targeted electrical energy directly to the source of the heart’s electrical disturbance. This method is designed to correct areas that trigger irregular heart rhythms with greater precision and effectiveness.
In atrial fibrillation, abnormal heart rhythms may originate from multiple points simultaneously. With conventional ablation methods, both 2D and 3D, treatment is performed point by point using a single-point catheter. In contrast, the PFA method uses a multipoint catheter capable of treating up to five points at once, resulting in a shorter procedure duration. While other ablation methods may take up to four hours, the PFA procedure can generally be completed in approximately two hours.
Advantages of PFA cardiac ablation include:
- Shorter procedure duration, averaging around 2 hours
- Minimal anesthesia time
- Safer for surrounding tissues as it does not use heat or cold energy
- Faster recovery period
- Longer-lasting treatment results compared to conventional ablation methods.
PFA Cardiac Ablation at Mandaya Royal Puri Performed by an Arrhythmia Specialist
Cardiac ablation using the Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) method at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is performed by dr. Sebastian Andy Manurung, Sp.JP, Subsp. Ar(K), FIHA, a cardiologist and vascular specialist with subspecialty expertise in arrhythmia. He actively participates in various international training programs and scientific forums to continuously update his knowledge and skills in managing heart rhythm disorders.
One of the scientific events he attended was the 10th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the Indonesian Heart Rhythm Society (InaHRS) held on August 17–19, 2023, in Jakarta, where dr. Sebastian presented a topic titled “Successful Ablation of Scar-related Ventricular Tachycardia using Decremental Evoked Potential Mapping in Patient with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.” This academic experience further strengthens his competence in handling complex arrhythmia cases.
Practice schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital:
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (WIB)
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (WIB)
- Saturday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (WIB)
For those who wish to learn more about PFA cardiac ablation or consider this procedure as a treatment option, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers consultation services with a team of cardiology specialists. In addition to PFA, 2D and 3D radiofrequency ablation treatments are also available and tailored to each patient’s needs.
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or the Care Dokter app, available for download on Google Play and the App Store. These tools help you schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access comprehensive hospital information.
