An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm caused by disrupted electrical signals in the heart. Heart arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly due to a problem with its electrical system.
Arrhythmias are also commonly referred to as irregular heartbeats.
A normal heart rhythm allows blood to flow efficiently throughout the body. This rhythm is controlled by electrical signals that coordinate each heartbeat.
Normally, the sinoatrial (SA) node acts as the heart’s natural pacemaker, sending regular electrical signals to maintain a steady heartbeat. When these signals are disrupted, the heart may beat irregularly.
Arrhythmias may cause symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations or shortness of breath. In some cases, they can lead to more serious complications, including stroke or heart failure.
Heart arrhythmia symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may experience more noticeable or serious effects.
Common symptoms include:
Palpitations: A sensation of a racing, pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or light-headedness: May occur when the brain does not receive enough blood flow
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired due to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during activity or at rest
Chest discomfort or pain: May feel like tightness or pressure and should be evaluated promptly
Fainting (syncope): A sudden loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain
In more severe cases, certain arrhythmias may lead to serious complications such as stroke or cardiac arrest. Immediate medical attention is required if symptoms are sudden, severe or persistent.
Heart arrhythmias can be caused by problems with the heart itself, underlying medical conditions or certain lifestyle factors that affect the heart’s electrical system.
Arrhythmias are commonly caused by heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, stress, stimulants such as caffeine, and underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or sleep apnoea.
Conditions that affect the structure or function of the heart may disrupt its electrical signals:
Coronary artery disease (CAD): Narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, affecting heart rhythm
Heart attack: Damage to heart tissue can interfere with electrical signalling
Cardiomyopathy: Diseases of the heart muscle may alter how electrical signals are conducted
Congenital heart defects: Structural abnormalities present from birth may affect heart rhythm
High blood pressure: Can cause the heart muscle to thicken or enlarge, disrupting normal electrical activity
Left ventricle dysfunction: Reduced pumping ability may affect how electrical signals are transmitted
Pulmonary artery conditions: Changes in pressure or blood flow to the lungs may influence heart rhythm
Certain habits and environmental factors may trigger or worsen arrhythmias:
Stress and anxiety: Can increase heart rate and affect electrical stability
Caffeine and alcohol: Excess intake may trigger irregular heartbeats
Smoking: Damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart rhythm disorders
Unhealthy diet: May contribute to obesity, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease
Other health conditions may interfere with the heart’s electrical system:
Electrolyte imbalances: Abnormal levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium can disrupt heart rhythm
Thyroid disorders: Both overactive and underactive thyroid function can affect heart rate and rhythm
Diabetes: Long-term high blood sugar may damage blood vessels and affect heart function
Heart arrhythmias are classified based on how fast the heart beats and where the abnormal rhythm starts.
The main types of arrhythmia include tachycardia (fast heartbeat), bradycardia (slow heartbeat) and irregular rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.
Tachycardia (fast heartbeat): Occurs when the heart beats faster than normal, typically over 100 beats per minute. It may start in the upper chambers (atria) or lower chambers (ventricles).
Types of tachycardia include:
Atrial tachycardia: A fast heart rate that begins in the atria
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): A group of fast rhythms that originate above the ventricles
Ventricular tachycardia (VT): A rapid rhythm starting in the ventricles, which can be serious if not treated promptly
Atrial flutter: A type of SVT where the atria beat very rapidly due to abnormal electrical circuits
Bradycardia (slow heartbeat): Occurs when the heart beats slower than normal, usually below 60 beats per minute. It may be caused by problems with the heart’s natural pacemaker (SA node) or electrical pathways.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib): A common type of arrhythmia where the atria beat irregularly and often rapidly. Instead of contracting normally, the atria quiver, reducing the heart’s efficiency.
Ventricular arrhythmias: Abnormal rhythms that begin in the lower chambers of the heart and can be life-threatening in some cases.
These include:
Ventricular fibrillation (VFib): A serious condition where the ventricles quiver instead of pumping effectively, leading to a sudden drop in blood flow
Ventricular tachycardia (VT): A fast rhythm that may progress to more dangerous conditions such as VFib
Arrhythmia is diagnosed using a combination of clinical assessment and tests that monitor the heart’s electrical activity and structure.
Arrhythmia is typically diagnosed using tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, echocardiogram and specialised heart rhythm studies.
Common diagnostic tests include:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): A quick and non-invasive test that records the heart’s electrical activity. It helps detect irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia or bradycardia
Holter monitor: A portable ECG device worn for 24 to 48 hours to continuously monitor heart activity, especially useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias
Event monitor: A longer-term monitoring device worn for weeks or months, which can be activated when symptoms occur to capture irregular heart rhythms
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound scan of the heart that provides images of its structure and function, helping identify underlying conditions that may cause arrhythmia
Stress test: Monitors the heart during physical activity to assess how it responds to exercise and detect exercise-induced arrhythmias
Electrophysiological (EP) study: A specialised procedure in which thin catheters are inserted into the heart to map its electrical activity and identify the source of abnormal rhythms
Implantable loop recorder: A small device placed under the skin that continuously records heart rhythms over an extended period, useful for detecting infrequent arrhythmias
Early diagnosis of arrhythmia is important, as some types may increase the risk of serious complications. Timely evaluation allows for appropriate treatment and improved outcomes.
Treatment for arrhythmia depends on the type, severity and underlying cause of the condition.
Arrhythmia may be treated with medications, medical procedures, lifestyle changes or, in some cases, surgery.
Common treatment options include:
Medications: Such as antiarrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers or anticoagulants to help control heart rhythm and reduce the risk of complications
Procedures: Including catheter ablation, cardioversion, pacemaker implantation or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), depending on the type of arrhythmia
Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, managing stress and maintaining a heart-healthy diet may help improve heart rhythm
Surgery: In more complex cases, procedures such as the Maze procedure or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be recommended
You should seek medical attention if you experience symptoms that may suggest an abnormal heart rhythm.
Seek medical advice if you experience:
Palpitations: A racing, fluttering or irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or light-headedness
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort or pain
Fainting (syncope) or near-fainting episodes
Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
Early evaluation can help identify arrhythmia and reduce the risk of complications.
Arrhythmias can vary from mild to more serious conditions, and early diagnosis plays an important role in effective management.
If you experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting, it is important to seek medical evaluation.
At Prince Court Medical Centre, our cardiologists provide comprehensive care, from accurate diagnosis to personalised treatment for heart rhythm conditions.
Book an appointment today with our team of cardiologists to better understand your symptoms and receive appropriate care.
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