Condition4 min read
Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or regularity of the heartbeat: it may beat too fast, too slow or unevenly. Many need no treatment, but some need emergency care.
It arises from a fault in the heart's electrical system. Its symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, tiredness and chest discomfort. It is linked to atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, caffeine, alcohol, smoking and certain medicines.
The NHLBI lists related conditions: conduction disorders, long QT syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and atrial fibrillation. Without treatment it may cause stroke, heart failure or cardiac arrest. Treatment options include beta blockers, ablation, electrical cardioversion and a pacemaker, and monitoring alone is often enough (NHS).
In one minute12
- What is it?
- A problem with the speed or regularity of the heartbeat, due to electrical causes in the heart.
- Who is usually affected?
- Linked to atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, caffeine, alcohol and smoking.
- Acute or chronic?
- Ranges from transient and needing no treatment to chronic and needing treatment.
- Main symptoms
- Palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, tiredness, chest discomfort.
- Red flags?
- Yes: palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting.
- Preventable?
- Avoid smoking, reduce alcohol and caffeine, and control blood pressure and heart disease.
What is it?
An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or regularity of the heartbeat: the heart may beat too fast, too slowly or in an irregular pattern.
Related conditions according to the NHLBI: conduction disorders, long QT syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and atrial fibrillation.
Causes
It arises from a fault in the heart's electrical system. The NHS lists contributing factors: atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, caffeine, alcohol, smoking and certain medicines.
Symptoms
Palpitations (a strong or fast pulse, fluttering or skipped beats), shortness of breath, dizziness or light-headedness, tiredness, and chest discomfort. The NHLBI mentions dizziness and fainting.
Treatment
The treatment categories usually used are listed here; this is not a prescription. The doctor chooses the plan according to each person's condition; do not change any medicine or dose without a specialist.
May include beta blockers, ablation, electrical cardioversion to restore rhythm, and implantation of a pacemaker; many people affected need monitoring only. The NHLBI describes them as treatable with medicines or procedures. No doses are given.
Complications
Without treatment, arrhythmias may cause stroke, heart failure or cardiac arrest.
When do you need urgent help?
Call emergency services now 998
- Palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting: call the ambulance.2
See your doctor within days
- New palpitations or palpitations that are getting worse without the symptoms listed above: see a doctor.2
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Does every arrhythmia need treatment?
No. The NHS states that many people affected need monitoring only, without active treatment.2
Questions for your doctor
- What type of arrhythmia do I have?
- Do I need pulse monitoring or prolonged ECG recording?
- Do coffee, alcohol or my medicines affect my heartbeat?
- Am I at risk of a stroke?
- Which symptoms call for an ambulance?
References
- 1NHLBI / NIH. Arrhythmias. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/arrhythmiasHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-04
- 2NHS. Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia). www.nhs.uk/conditions/arrhythmia/Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.