An Arrhythmia is an abnormal Heart rhythm. It can mean that your Heart is beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly, which can prevent it from pumping efficiently. While it may not always be serious, it is important to see your GP if you suspect you are experiencing symptoms.
What is the Heart and How Does it Work?
The Heart is slightly to the left behind the breastbone. On average, an adult Heart is about the size of a clenched fist. The Heart is a large pump with four chambers and beats roughly 100,000 times a day, pumping about eight pints (5 litres) of blood throughout the body.
Blood is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to keep your organs functioning. It also carries away waste materials, such as carbon dioxide, which are excreted mainly through the Lungs, Kidneys, and Liver.
Types of Heart Rhythm Problems
Your Heart’s rhythm is controlled by an electrical conduction system that sends signals to regulate your Heartbeat. An Arrhythmia occurs when there is a problem with this system. Normally, the Heart beats at a regular rate of 60-100 beats per minute.
These are the different types of Arrhythmias:
- Tachycardia (Fast Heartbeat): Your Heart beats faster than one hundred beats per minute. This may happen temporarily during exercise, excitement, or when you have a fever.
- Bradycardia (Slow Heartbeat): Your Heart beats slower than sixty beats per minute. This is common when you are asleep but may also occur in some people during the day.
- Irregular Heartbeat: The rhythm of your Heartbeat becomes inconsistent.
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
If you have an Arrhythmia, you might experience:
- A feeling that your Heart is pounding, racing, fluttering, or skipping beats (this can last from a few seconds to a few minutes).
- Shortness of breath.
- Dizziness or light-headedness, feeling faint, or as if you might black out.
- Fatigue.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a Heart rhythm problem. However, it is important to pay attention to how you feel.
When to See a GP or Seek Emergency Help
See a GP if:
- You experience Heart palpitations that are happening frequently or getting worse.
Call 999 or go to A&E (Accident & Emergency) if:
- You have Heart palpitations along with any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- Feeling faint or as if you might black out.
If your symptoms stop, contact your GP, or call 111 for further guidance. Do not drive yourself – ask someone else to take you to the doctor or A&E.
Causes of Heart Rhythm Problems
Arrhythmias occur when there is a fault in the Heart’s electrical system. Some common causes include:
- Heart conditions: such as Atrial Fibrillation or Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
- Other medical conditions: including High Blood Pressure, Coronary Heart Disease, Heart Valve Disease, and previous Heart Attacks.
- Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome: This is a condition where the Heart beats abnormally fast due to an extra electrical connection. It is often diagnosed in otherwise healthy young adults and typically does not pose serious risks.
Other triggers for abnormal Heart rhythms include:
- Certain medications
- Viruses
- Caffeine
- Alcohol, smoking, or recreational drugs
Investigations and Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of Heart rhythm problems, your doctor may recommend tests such as an Electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of your Heart, along with other tests and blood work.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause of your Arrhythmia. In some cases, no treatment is needed, while in other cases, prescription medication may be prescribed. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment options with you, based on your individual condition.
Important Notes for Drivers
If your Heart rhythm problem affects your ability to drive, you must inform your insurance company and the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Your GP can advise you on whether this is necessary.
Further Information:
Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia) – NHS
