Cardiac Arrhythmia
A heart arrhythmia (uh-RITH-me-uh) is an irregular heartbeat. Heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeats don't work properly, causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly.
Heart arrhythmias may feel like a fluttering or racing heart and may be harmless. However, some heart arrhythmias may cause bothersome — sometimes even life-threatening — signs and symptoms.
Causes
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Changes in the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
- Valve disorders
- Electrolyte imbalances in your blood, such as sodium or potassium
- Injury from a heart attack
- The healing process after heart surgery
- Other medical conditions
Symptoms
- A fluttering in your chest
- A racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
- A slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting (syncope) or near fainting
Treatment
Many heart arrhythmias are harmless. However, if your doctor is concerned, they may recommend treatments including medications, therapies such as vagal maneuvers, cardioversion, catheter ablation, or implanted devices such as a pacemaker or ICD.
Back to Medical Terms Glossary
We Offer Same Day Appointments!
407-645-1847