Also called: irregular heartbeat

Cardiac arrhythmia occurs when electrical impulses in the heart don't work properly.

Very common

More than 3 million US cases per year

Requires a medical diagnosis

Lab tests or imaging often required

Treatable by a medical professional

Critical: needs emergency care

Requires a medical diagnosis

There may be no symptoms. Or, symptoms may include a fluttering in the chest, chest pain, fainting, or dizziness.

Can have no symptoms, but people may experience:

Pain areas: in the chest

Whole body: dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness

Heart: palpitations or slow heart rate

Also common: shortness of breath

Treatment varies

If needed, treatment includes anti-arrhythmic drugs, medical procedures, implantable devices, and surgery.

Medications

Antiarrhythmic, Calcium channel blocker, Beta blocker, and Dietary supplement

Medical procedure

Cardioversion and Radiofrequency ablation

Devices

Pacemaker and Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Supportive care

Cardiac monitoring

People also ask

What is the best treatment for irregular heartbeat?

Other types of heart drugs can be used to treat arrhythmias, too:

Beta-blockers such as metoprolol or Toprol XL lessens the heart's workload and heart rate.Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil or Calan also lower the heart rate.

Can an arrhythmia go away on its own?

Can a Heart Arrhythmia ever just go away? Yes. People can have only one episode. This can be caused by pericarditis (membrane or sac around your heart is inflamed), alcohol or other drugs, acute illness, or electrolyte abnormalities.

How serious is a heart arrhythmia?

An irregular heartbeat may feel like a racing heart or fluttering. Many heart arrhythmias are harmless. However, if they are highly irregular or result from a weak or damaged heart, arrhythmias can cause severe and potentially fatal symptoms and complications.

What happens if arrhythmia is left untreated?

If left untreated, arrhythmia can lead to life-threatening complications such as stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.

What triggers arrhythmia?

Electrolyte imbalance. Substances in your blood called electrolytes — such as potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium — help trigger and conduct the electrical impulses in your heart. Electrolyte levels that are too high or too low can affect your heart's electrical impulses and contribute to arrhythmia development.

Symptoms, Diagnosis and Monitoring of Arrhythmia ...

When arrhythmias (including AFib) last long enough to affect how well the heart works, more serious symptoms may develop: Fatigue or weakness. Dizziness or lightheadedness. Fainting or near-fainting spells. Rapid heartbeat or pounding in the chest. Shortness of breath and anxiety. Chest pain or pressure.

When arrhythmias (including AFib) last long enough to affect how well the heart works, more serious symptoms may develop: Fatigue or weakness. Dizziness or lightheadedness. Fainting or near-fainting spells. Rapid heartbeat or pounding in the chest. Shortness of breath and anxiety. Chest pain or pressure.

Treatments:

Antiarrhythmic

Helps control abnormal or irregular heart rhythms.

Calcium channel blocker

Relaxes blood vessels.

Beta blocker

Slows heart rate and decreases blood pressure. When taken in eye-drop form, it reduces eye pressure.

Dietary supplement

Works alone or in conjunction with other treatments to promote health.