What Are Arrhythmias?

The term arrhythmia refers to any change from the normal sequence of electrical impulses, causing abnormal heart rhythms. This can cause the heart to pump less effectively. Some arrhythmias are so brief (for example, a temporary pause or premature beat) that the overall heart rate or rhythm isn't greatly affected. But if arrhythmias last for some time, they may cause the heart rate to be too slow or too fast or the heart rhythm to be erratic.

Almost everyone has felt their heart beat very fast, felt a "fluttering" in their chest or thought that their heart was "skipping a beat." These are signs of arrhythmia, or abnormal or irregular heartbeat. Don't panic if you've occasionally had these symptoms. Arrhythmias are extremely common, especially as you get older. Each year millions of people have them.

Most cases are harmless, but some arrhythmias are extremely dangerous and require treatment and management. See your doctor if you have felt any of these symptoms to rule out other problems, such as heart disease, and to give you peace of mind.

General/ Overviews

• Abnormal Heart Rhythms (American Heart Association)
• Arrhythmia: A Problem With Your Heartbeat (American Academy of Family Physicians)
• Arrhythmias (American Heart Association)
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (American College of Cardiology)
• Facts About Arrhythmias/Rhythm Disorder ( NIH Cardiophonics Newsletter )
• Heart Arrhythmia Ups Death Risk (Center for Cardiovascular Education, Inc.)