Normally, your heart beats in a steady rhythm, usually 60 to 100 times per minute. It may beat slower when you’re resting or sleeping and faster when you’re active or exercising. Each heartbeat moves blood through your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste.
With heart rhythm disorders, also called arrhythmias or dysrhythmias, the electrical signals that control your heartbeat don’t work as they should. As a result, your heart may beat too fast, too slow or in an irregular pattern.
Some heart rhythm disorders are harmless and may not need treatment. Others can disrupt blood flow and increase the risk of serious complications.
When your heart doesn’t beat normally, it may not pump blood as effectively. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue or chest pain.
If left untreated, some arrhythmias can increase the risk of:
Detecting and treating heart rhythm disorders early may reduce the risk of complications and help improve your quality of life.
These are the arrhythmias diagnosed most often.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the United States. With AFib, the heart’s upper chambers, called the atria, beat out of sync with the lower chambers, called the ventricles.
This irregular rhythm can cause poor blood flow and increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart failure. Symptoms may include palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue and chest discomfort.
Treatment often includes:
Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation but usually follows a more organized rhythm. It may cause few or no symptoms. Some people experience episodes of both atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation.
Ventricular tachycardia is a fast heartbeat that begins in the heart’s lower chambers, called the ventricles. VT can be life-threatening, especially if it lasts for a long time or occurs in people with other heart conditions.
Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, fainting or cardiac arrest. VT requires prompt medical attention.
Treatment options may include:
Supraventricular tachycardia happens when rapid heart rhythms start above the ventricles. Episodes often begin suddenly and may cause palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness or fainting.
SVT may be related to electrical abnormalities in the heart or triggered by factors such as stress, caffeine or certain medications.
Treatment may include:
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some people don’t have symptoms, while others may feel fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
Bradycardia can be caused by aging, medications, heart block or underlying heart conditions. Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may range from lifestyle changes to pacemaker implantation. Early diagnosis may help prevent complications.
Some people feel heart palpitations even though their heart rhythm is mostly normal. These sensations are often caused by extra or early beats, known as:
Ectopic beats are common and often harmless. People may describe them as a skipped beat, fluttering or a brief pounding sensation.
They can be triggered by stress, caffeine, alcohol, exercise or changes in electrolytes. Occasional ectopic beats usually don’t need treatment, but frequent or bothersome symptoms should be evaluated by a provider.
Learn more about ectopic beats.
Heart block occurs when electrical signals are delayed or blocked as they travel through the heart. It is a cause of slow heart rate and can range from mild to severe.
Types of heart block include:
Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness or fainting. Some people may need a pacemaker to help maintain a regular heartbeat.
Some rhythm disorders are caused by inherited differences in the heart’s electrical system. These conditions may run in families and often need specialized care.
Examples include:
If you have a family history of sudden cardiac death or unexplained fainting, genetic rhythm conditions may be considered.
Many factors can increase the risk of developing a heart rhythm disorder.
Age: Changes in the heart’s electrical system over time raise risk. Some arrhythmias, such as AFib, are more common in older adults.
Gender: Some arrhythmias occur more often in men, while others are more common in women.
Heart conditions:
Lifestyle factors:
Other medical conditions:
Some people have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
If you have chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical care right away, as these may be signs of a heart attack.
If you or your provider suspects a heart rhythm disorder, the next step is testing to understand what type of arrhythmia you have and how often it occurs.
Diagnosis may include heart rhythm monitoring, imaging tests or specialized electrical studies. Treatment is tailored to your specific condition and symptoms and may involve lifestyle changes, medications or procedures to help restore a normal heartbeat and reduce the risk of complications.
If you think you may have a heart rhythm disorder or are experiencing symptoms, talk with a heart specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a meaningful difference.
Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health heart specialist to learn more about diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders.
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