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Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a condition where your heart beats too fast, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm. Sometimes it's harmless and goes away on its own. But in some cases, it may need treatment because it can increase the risk of problems such as stroke, heart failure, or fainting.

About Arrhythmia

Your heart normally beats in a steady rhythm. When it beats too fast, too slowly, or irregularly, it is called an arrhythmia.

Some people don't notice any symptoms, while others may feel their heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats. Many arrhythmias are harmless, but some, such as atrial fibrillation, can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, or other heart problems if left untreated.

Symptoms

Key Signs and Symptoms

You might not even know you have an arrhythmia until you go to the doctor for a check-up. If you do have symptoms, they can include:

  • A weird feeling in your chest, like your heart is skipping beats
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Getting tired easily
  • Chest pain
  • Feeling like you might pass out or faint

Early vs Symptoms

Early Symptoms

  • Your heart feels like it's skipping a beat
  • Your heart feels like it's beating faster than usual
  • You get tired more easily than before
  • You may think it's just stress or anxiety

Advanced Symptoms

  • Your heart often beats very fast or irregularly
  • You feel like you might faint or pass out
  • You feel extremely tired, even with little activity
  • You have chest pain or discomfort that doesn't go away
  • Your legs, ankles, or feet become swollen

Causes

Common Causes

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Problems with the heart's structure
  • Low levels of certain minerals in your blood
  • Thyroid problems
  • Too much caffeine or alcohol
  • Certain medicines
  • Sleep apnea
  • Stress

Risk Factors

  • Older age
  • A family history of arrhythmia
  • Heart disease or a previous heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid problems
  • Sleep apnea
  • Smoking
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Heavy alcohol or excessive caffeine intake
  • Long-term stress or anxiety

Diagnosis

How the Condition Is Identified

Your doctor will usually start with an ECG to check your heart's rhythm. If the irregular heartbeat doesn't happen during the test, you may need additional tests to detect it.

Common Rhythm Patterns

  • Atrial Fibrillation: when the upper chambers of the heart beat
  • Atrial Flutter: when the upper chambers beat too fast
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia: when the heart beats too fast
  • Ventricular Tachycardia: when the lower chambers beat too fast
  • Bradycardia: when the heart beats too slowly
  • Premature Beats: when the heart beats too early

Tests or Screenings Involved

  • ECG
  • Holter Monitor
  • Event Monitor
  • Echocardiogram
  • Stress Test
  • Electrophysiology Study
  • Blood Tests
  • Tilt Table Test

Treatment

Available Treatment Options

The doctor will decide how to treat your arrhythmia based on what is causing it and how bad it is. The goal is to get your heart beating normally again and to prevent problems.

Medications

  • Medicines to help control your heart's rhythm
  • Medicines to slow a fast heartbeat
  • Blood thinners to lower the risk of stroke (for certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation)

Procedures or Therapies

  • Cardioversion – A procedure that helps restore a normal heart rhythm.
  • Catheter ablation – A procedure that treats the area of the heart causing the abnormal rhythm.
  • Pacemaker – A small device placed under the skin to help the heart beat at a normal rate if it's too slow.
  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) – A device that detects dangerous heart rhythms and delivers treatment if needed.

Prevention

Lifestyle Changes

  • Take care of your blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Do not smoke
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid alcohol and too much caffeine
  • Manage your stress
  • Get treated for sleep apnea
  • Stay hydrated

Preventive Measures

  • Go to the doctor for regular check-ups
  • Take care of your diabetes and thyroid
  • Take your medicine like you are supposed to
  • Do not take any supplements without talking to your doctor
  • Learn what the warning signs are

When to See a Doctor

Warning Signs

You should go to the doctor if you:

  • Feel like your heart is beating too fast or irregularly
  • Feel dizzy or lightheaded
  • Get tired easily
  • Have a family history of arrhythmia

When Immediate Care Is Needed

You should call for emergency help if you:

  • Pass out
  • Have chest pain that will not go away
  • Have trouble breathing
  • Have a heart rate that is too fast or irregular

Related Conditions

You might also want to learn about:

  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Heart Failure
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Stroke
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Valvular Heart Disease

FAQs

You might feel like your heart is skipping beats or beating fast. You might feel dizzy or tired. Sometimes you will not have any symptoms at all.