Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. It occurs when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat don’t function properly.

Types of Arrhythmias

1. Tachycardia – Heart beats too fast (more than 100 beats per minute)
2. Bradycardia – Heart beats too slow (less than 60 beats per minute)
3. Irregular rhythm – The heart may beat in an unsteady or unpredictable pattern, such as in atrial fibrillation

Common Symptoms of Arrhythmia

• Fluttering or pounding in the chest (palpitations)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue or weakness
• Fainting or near-fainting

Causes of Arrhythmia

• Coronary artery disease or heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Heart valve disorders
• Congenital heart defects
• Imbalance of electrolytes (like potassium or magnesium)
• Overuse of caffeine, alcohol, or certain medications
• Stress or anxiety
• Thyroid disorders

How It’s Diagnosed
Doctors may use tests such as an ECG (electrocardiogram), Holter monitor, stress test, or echocardiogram to identify the type and cause of arrhythmia.

Treatment Options

• Lifestyle changes: reducing caffeine, alcohol, and stress
• Medications: to control heart rate or rhythm
• Medical procedures: such as cardioversion or ablation
• Devices: like a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others can be life-threatening. If you feel unusual heartbeats or symptoms, it’s important to get checked.