Heart rhythm disorders, or arrhythmias, occur when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. The heart normally follows an electrical system that coordinates each heartbeat. Problems with this electrical activity can interfere with the normal rhythm.
Some rhythm disorders are harmless, while others can affect the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Symptoms may include a feeling of fluttering or pounding in the chest, skipped beats, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fainting. Some people may have an arrhythmia without experiencing any symptoms.
Different types of arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and certain ventricular rhythm disorders. Diagnosis may involve an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, event monitoring, or other cardiac tests. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the rhythm disorder and may include medicines, procedures, or devices such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in selected cases.
