Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)
Overview
Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia) are when your heart beats too quickly or too slowly, or your heartbeat is not steady. It might not be serious but see a GP if you think you're having symptoms.
Symptoms
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 minutesshort of breathlightheaded, dizzy or like you might fainttiredchest pain or discomfort Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a heart rhythm problem.
Causes
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 asatrial fibrillationorsupraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Sometimes other conditions can also cause heart rhythm problems, including: high blood pressurecoronary heart diseaseheart valve diseaseheart attackWolff-Parkinson-White syndrome You can also get an abnormal heartbeat from: medicinesvirusescaffeinealcohol, smoking or drugs
Treatment
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 asbeta blockersburning 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.