Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)

Symptoms of heart rhythm problems

There are different types of heart rhythm problem.

You may have a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), a slow heartbeat (bradycardia) or an irregular heartbeat where the rhythm changes.

This can make you feel:

• like your heart is pounding, racing, fluttering or missing a beat (heart palpitations) – this may last for a few seconds up to a few minutes
• short of breath
• lightheaded, dizzy or like you might faint
• tired
• chest pain or discomfort

Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a heart rhythm problem.

Treatment for heart rhythm problems

How a heart rhythm problem is treated depends on the type you have and what's causing it.

Many people may not need any treatment at all or will only need regular check-ups.

Possible treatments include:

• medicine to control the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat, such as beta blockers
• burning or freezing the section of heart that's causing your faulty heart rhythm (ablation)
• using electrical signals to reset your heart rhythm (cardioversion)
• having a small electronic device that helps monitor and correct your heart rhythm fitted under your skin (pacemaker implantation)

You may also need treatment for any condition that's causing your heart rhythm problems.

Causes of heart rhythm problems

Heart rhythm problems happen when there's a fault with the electrical system that makes your heart beat.

This can be the result of a heart rhythm condition, such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Sometimes other conditions can also cause heart rhythm problems, including:

• high blood pressure
• coronary heart disease
• heart valve disease
• heart attack
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

You can also get an abnormal heartbeat from:

• medicines
• viruses
• caffeine
• alcohol, smoking or drugs