Overview
Heart rhythm problems , or arrhythmias, are irregularities in the heart's electrical activity, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically.
Symptoms
Palpitations (feeling of rapid or skipped heartbeats) Fatigue and dizziness Shortness of breath Chest discomfort or pain Fainting or near-fainting
Causes
Heart disease or previous heart attack Electrolyte imbalances High blood pressure Thyroid disorders Medications or stimulant use
Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Holter monitoring or event recorders Electrophysiology studies Blood tests and imaging if needed
Treatment
Medications: anti-arrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers, anticoagulants Pacemaker or defibrillator implantation Ablation therapy to correct abnormal pathways Lifestyle changes and avoiding triggers
Complications
Stroke or heart attack Heart failure Sudden cardiac arrest
Prevention
Control underlying heart conditions Maintain a healthy lifestyle Monitor medications and avoid stimulants that trigger arrhythmia