Definition:

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An arrhythmia is a disorder of your heart rate or rhythm. There are several types of arrhythmias. Tachycardia is a disorder in which your heart beats too fast. Bradycardia is when your heart rate is too slow. An arrhythmia can also occur when your heart skips or has an extra beat.

Arrhythmias can sometimes be caused by certain medications that you are taking or they can be a sign that something in your heart is not working properly. Some types of arrhythmias may be life-threatening if not promptly and properly treated.

Examples of various arrhythmias include:

• Supraventricular tachycardia – a fast heart rate that originates in the upper chambers (atria). The most common are atrial fibrillation or flutter, and atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia.
• Ventricular tachycardia – a fast heart rate that originates in the lower chambers (ventricles).
• Bradycardia – a slow heart rate due to problems with the SA node’s pacing ability, or some interruption in conduction through the natural electrical pathways of the heart.

Symptoms of Arrhythmias:

• Fluttering or racing heartbeat in your chest
• Slow heart beat
• Fainting
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Skipping heartbeats
• Feeling tired
• Sweating
• Cardiac arrest

Treatment:

There are several routine tests to identify if you have an arrhythmia. It can be as easy as having an ECG done in your doctor’s office. This test is simple and not painful. Electrodes are placed on your chest, arms and legs and you are asked to lie still for a minute while the ECG machine records the electrical activity of your heart. There are many other tests that your doctor could order after his physical examination. It is important to assess whether you are having an arrhythmia because some arrhythmias may be life threatening.