Health A-Z

What is arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia) is an abnormal heartbeat. Arrhythmias can start in different parts of your heart and they can be too fast, too slow or just irregular.

Normally, your heart beats in an organized, coordinated way. Issues with various parts of your heart — or even the blood your heart pumps — can affect your heart’s normal rhythm. Having a normal heart rhythm matters because your heart supplies your whole body with nutrients and oxygen through the blood it pumps.

What are the warning signs of arrhythmia?

Heart arrhythmia symptoms may include:

• Heart palpitations.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Fainting episodes.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest discomfort.
• Weakness or fatigue.

A cardiac arrhythmia may be “silent” and not cause any symptoms.

What causes arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia causes include:

• Coronary artery disease.
• Irritable tissue in your heart (due to genetic or acquired causes).
• High blood pressure.
• Changes in your heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
• Valve disorders.
• Electrolyte imbalances in your blood.
• Injury from a heart attack.
• The healing process after heart surgery.
• Other medical conditions.

What is the main cause of arrhythmia?

Most arrhythmias happen because of an issue with your heart’s arteries, valves or muscles.

What are the risk factors for arrhythmia?

Risk factors for arrhythmia include:

• Using tobacco products.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Consuming drinks and foods that have caffeine.
• Taking stimulants like cold medicines or herbal supplements.
• Having high blood pressure.
• Having a BMI (body mass index) higher than 30.
• Having high blood sugar.
• Having sleep apnea.

What are the complications of arrhythmia?

Without treatment, arrhythmias can lead to complications such as:

• Weakening of your heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
• Cardiac arrest.
• Stroke.

How is an arrhythmia treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of your arrhythmia. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. Heart arrhythmia treatment options include:

• Medications.
• Lifestyle changes.
• Therapies.
• Devices.
• Surgery.

Medications

Many medications can treat arrhythmias. Because everyone is different, you may have to try several medications and doses to find the one that works best for you. Heart arrhythmia treatments include:

• Antiarrhythmic drugs that convert the arrhythmia to sinus rhythm (normal rhythm) or prevent an arrhythmia.
• Medicines that control your heart rate.
• Anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy drugs (such as warfarin or aspirin) that reduce the risk of blood clots forming.
• Medications that treat related conditions that may be causing an abnormal heart rhythm.

It’s important to know:

• The names of your medications.
• Why you take them.
• How often and at what times to take them.
• Side effects of your medications.

How is an arrhythmia diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can find an irregular heartbeat during an examination by taking your pulse and listening to your heart.

After assessing your symptoms and performing a physical examination, they may order diagnostic tests to help confirm that you have an arrhythmia. This can also help find the cause.

You may also want to see an electrophysiologist — a cardiologist who has additional specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.

What tests will be done to diagnose arrhythmia?

Some tests that can check for an irregular heart rhythm and associated diseases include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).
• Blood tests to check your electrolyte levels or look for a genetic issue.
• Ambulatory monitors.
• Stress test.
• Echocardiogram.
• Cardiac catheterization.
• Electrophysiology study (EPS).
• Tilt table test.
• Computed tomography (CT).
• Heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).