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A heart arrhythmia (also called an irregular heartbeat) is when the heart doesn’t beat in its normal rhythm or speed. This happens because the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are disrupted or not working properly.
Signs of a heart arrhythmia can vary and may be noticeable in different ways.
Heart arrhythmias are grouped into different types based on how fast or slow the heart beats and where the abnormal rhythm starts in the heart.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Atrial fibrillation is a fast, irregular heartbeat caused by chaotic electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers (atria). It makes the atria quiver instead of beating normally, which can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of stroke.
Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is a rhythm disorder where the upper chambers of the heart beat very fast but in a more organized pattern than AFib. This can still disrupt normal blood flow and lead to complications.
Bradycardia: Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate—typically less than 60 beats per minute at rest. In some people, this is normal (e.g., athletes), but it can also indicate an electrical problem if it causes symptoms or limits blood flow.
Tachycardia: Tachycardia means the heart beats faster than normal (over 100 beats per minute at rest). It includes many specific arrhythmias and can reduce the heart’s ability to fill and pump blood efficiently.
Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): Ventricular fibrillation is a life‑threatening arrhythmia where the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) quiver instead of contracting in a coordinated way, stopping effective blood circulation.
Premature Heartbeats (Premature Contractions): Premature beats are extra heartbeats that occur early, either in the atria (premature atrial contractions) or ventricles (premature ventricular contractions). They may feel like skipped or extra beats and are often harmless.
Heart arrhythmias can be caused by many factors that affect the heart’s electrical system. Common causes include:
Here are the tests used to check for an irregular heart rhythm.
Things that may increase the risk of heart arrhythmias include:
Heart disease or past heart surgery : Problems like blocked arteries, heart attack, valve disease, or heart failure can damage the heart’s electrical system.
Congenital heart defects : Heart problems present at birth may interfere with normal heart rhythm.
Thyroid disorders : An overactive or underactive thyroid can disrupt heart rate.
Sleep apnea : Breathing pauses during sleep can lead to slow or irregular heartbeats.
Electrolyte imbalance : Abnormal levels of minerals like potassium or magnesium can affect heart signaling.
Certain medicines and supplements : Some drugs, including cold medicines, may trigger irregular rhythms.
Excess alcohol use : Drinking too much alcohol can disturb the heart’s electrical activity.
Caffeine, nicotine, or drug use : stimulants can speed up the heart and cause serious rhythm problems.
Treatment for heart arrhythmia depends on how serious it is and the type of rhythm problem you have. Some people may not need treatment at all. When treatment is needed, options may include:
Medicines: Medicines for heart arrhythmias are chosen based on the type of irregular heartbeat and the risk of complications. Some medicines help slow down a fast heart rate or restore a normal rhythm. For people with conditions like tachycardia, these drugs help keep the heartbeat steady. If you have atrial fibrillation, blood-thinning medicines may be prescribed to reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots and stroke.
Therapies: Therapies for heart arrhythmias are treatments that help correct abnormal electrical signals in the heart. They may include simple techniques like vagal maneuvers, such as coughing or using a cold pack on the face, which can help slow a very fast heartbeat. When these methods or medicines are not effective, cardioversion may be used. This procedure delivers controlled electrical shocks to the heart to restore a normal rhythm, especially in conditions like atrial fibrillation.
Surgery or other procedures: When medicines and other therapies do not work, surgery or procedures may be needed to treat heart arrhythmias. Options include catheter ablation, which destroys small areas causing abnormal electrical signals, and devices such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) that help regulate or protect the heartbeat. In some cases, procedures like the maze surgery or coronary bypass surgery are performed to correct electrical pathways or improve blood flow to the heart.
