Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)

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.

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 ) You may also need treatment for any condition that's causing your 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