Arrhythmia: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What an arrhythmia is

An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat: the heart beats too fast, too slowly, or irregularly. It is caused by changes in the electrical signals that control the heartbeat.

• Tachycardia — the heart beats faster than normal.
• Bradycardia — the heart beats too slowly.
• Premature or extra heartbeat — the signal to beat comes too early; it can feel like a skipped beat.

There are many types, affecting the upper or lower chambers of the heart. The most common is atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular, fast heartbeat.

Some arrhythmias are harmless — the heart speeding up with exercise and slowing in sleep. But a frequent irregular rhythm can mean the heart is not pumping enough blood to the body. Treatment and a heart-healthy lifestyle can help control arrhythmias, and may help prevent the heart damage that can trigger some of them.

Causes and risk factors

Many things can affect heart rhythm, including a past heart attack, smoking, congenital heart defects and stress. You may be at higher risk for some types if you:

• have a family history of arrhythmias;
• have certain conditions — heart and blood vessel disease, lung disease, kidney disease, obesity or sleep apnea;
• are an older adult;
• have had recent surgery on your heart, lungs or throat;
• take certain medicines for other conditions;
• use illegal drugs.

With these risk factors, situations that make the heart work harder, raise blood pressure or cause strong emotional stress can trigger an arrhythmia.

Symptoms

You may have no noticeable symptoms; a provider may find an arrhythmia at a routine checkup. Symptoms can include:

• a fast or slow heartbeat;
• skipping, fluttering or pounding heartbeats;
• chest pain or discomfort;
• dizziness or fainting;
• shortness of breath;
• sweating;
• tiredness or weakness.

Get emergency care if you have chest pain or shortness of breath, or think you are having a heart attack.

Diagnosis

The most common test is an electrocardiogram (EKG), which records the heart's electrical activity. Your provider may also:

• ask about your medical history, symptoms and habits;
• do a physical exam, checking your heartbeat and pulse;
• order blood tests and other heart tests;
• check your legs and feet for swelling;
• look for other conditions that can cause an arrhythmia, such as thyroid disease.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment aims to restore a normal rhythm. It may include medicines, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker, or sometimes surgery, and avoiding activities that trigger the arrhythmia. Untreated, arrhythmias can damage the heart, brain and other organs and can be life-threatening.

To help prevent one, your provider may suggest heart-healthy lifestyle changes and treating conditions that can cause arrhythmias.

Sources

Based on "Arrhythmia," MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, with its summary from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; a work of the United States government in the public domain. A misspelling in the source ("arrythmia") is corrected.