Key Points

• An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.
• Most arrhythmias are harmless, but some can be serious or even life threatening. When the heart rate is too fast, too slow, or irregular, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. Lack of blood flow can damage the brain, heart, and other organs.
• To understand arrhythmias, it helps to understand the heart's electrical system. With each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads from the top of the heart to the bottom. As the signal travels, it causes the heart to contract and pump blood. A problem with any part of this process can cause an arrhythmia.
• The four main types of arrhythmia are premature (extra) beats, supraventricular arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, and bradyarrhythmias.
• An arrhythmia can occur if the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are delayed or blocked, or if the heart produces extra electrical signals. Other causes of arrhythmia include smoking, heavy alcohol use, use of certain drugs and medicines, too much caffeine or nicotine, strong emotional stress or anger, and underlying medical conditions. Sometimes the cause of an arrhythmia can't be found.
• Millions of Americans have arrhythmias. They're very common in older adults, and most serious arrhythmias affect people older than 60. Some types of arrhythmia, such as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, are more common in young people.
• Most arrhythmias cause no signs or symptoms. When signs and symptoms are present, the most common ones are palpitations, a slow heartbeat, an irregular heartbeat, and feeling pauses between heartbeats.
• Doctors use several methods to diagnose arrhythmias, including medical and family histories, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests and procedures.
• Common arrhythmia treatments include medicines, medical procedures, and surgery. Treatment is needed when an arrhythmia causes serious symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pain, or fainting.
• Many arrhythmias are harmless, and people who have them can live healthy lives and usually don't need treatment. Even people who have serious arrhythmias often are treated successfully and lead normal lives.
• If you have an arrhythmia that requires treatment, it's important to get ongoing care. Keep all of your medical appointments, take medicines as prescribed, and tell your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms.
• Because many arrhythmias are caused by underlying heart disease, it's important to keep your heart healthy. Follow a healthy diet, get physical activity regularly, quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and keep your blood cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels. Try to manage stress and anger.