Cardiology

Heart Arrhythmias

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What is a heart arrhythmia?

A heart arrhythmia happens when your heart beats too fast, too slowly or with an irregular rhythm. Instead of following a steady, coordinated pattern, your heart’s electrical signals become disrupted, which can make your heartbeat feel uneven or out of sync.

Heart arrhythmias can affect people of all ages. You may notice palpitations or fluttering in your chest, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue or fainting. In some cases, you may not notice symptoms at all. They may be linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, stress, medications or other health conditions.

With the right evaluation and care, many arrhythmias can be monitored, managed or treated so you can continue living a healthy, active life with confidence.

Causes of arrhythmias

Heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals that control your heartbeat don’t work properly. These disruptions can be caused by a variety of factors, including underlying heart disease, previous heart attacks, high blood pressure or heart valve problems.

Other causes may include electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium or magnesium), thyroid disorders, certain medications, excessive caffeine or alcohol use, smoking, stress and sleep apnea. In some cases, arrhythmias develop without a clear cause, even if you are otherwise healthy.

Types of arrhythmias

There are several types of heart arrhythmias, classified by whether your heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly.

Tachycardia: When your heart beats faster than normal. Reach out to your cardiologist for a tailored assessment.
Bradycardia: When your heart beats slower than normal. Reach out to your cardiologist for a tailored assessment.
Atrial arrhythmias: Abnormal rhythms that start in the upper chambers of the heart, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
Ventricular arrhythmias: Irregular rhythms that begin in the lower chambers of the heart and can be more serious.

Each type of arrhythmia is different. That’s why an accurate diagnosis is essential to guide the right treatment for you.

Signs and symptoms of arrhythmias

Symptoms of a heart arrhythmia can vary widely and may come and go. Common symptoms include:

A fluttering or racing sensation in the chest
Skipped or irregular heartbeats
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or weakness
Chest discomfort
Fainting or near-fainting episodes

When to call a doctor

You should contact a healthcare provider if you experience ongoing or unexplained symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath or fatigue. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are severe, sudden or accompanied by chest pain, fainting or difficulty breathing, as these may signal a serious heart rhythm problem.

Complications of untreated arrhythmias

If not treated, some arrhythmias can lead to complications. Depending on the type and severity, these may include blood clots, stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. Chronic arrhythmias can also weaken your heart over time, making it harder to pump blood effectively.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications and help protect your long-term heart health.

Diagnosing arrhythmias

Diagnosing a heart arrhythmia begins with a thorough medical history and physical exam. Your provider may ask about symptoms, lifestyle factors and family history of heart disease.

Common diagnostic tests include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity
Holter or event monitors to track heart rhythms over time
Stress testing to observe how the heart responds to physical activity
Echocardiogram to evaluate heart structure and function

These tests help your care team understand your heart rhythm and determine the best next steps for treatment.

Treatments for arrhythmias

Your treatment plan depends on the type of arrhythmia you have, how severe it is and what’s causing it. Some arrhythmias do not require treatment and can be safely monitored. Others may need care to control your heart rate, restore a normal rhythm or reduce the risk of complications.

Treatment options may include:

Lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine or managing stress
Medications to regulate heart rhythm or rate
Electrical cardioversion to reset the heart’s rhythm
Catheter-based procedures, such as ablation
Implantable devices like pacemakers or defibrillators

Your care team will work closely with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, your health and your life — so you can feel confident trusting your heart care to experienced specialists.