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# Arrhythmia

ar·rhyth·mi·a - ah-RITH-mee-ah

## Definition

An arrhythmia is any abnormality in the timing or pattern of your heartbeat. Your heart normally beats in a regular, coordinated rhythm - controlled by electrical signals that travel through the heart muscle in a precise sequence. When these electrical signals are disrupted, delayed, or take abnormal pathways, the result is an arrhythmia: your heart may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular pattern.

Not all arrhythmias are dangerous. Occasional extra heartbeats (premature contractions) are extremely common and usually harmless - most people experience them from time to time, often described as a fluttering or skipped-beat sensation. However, some arrhythmias can be serious, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively or increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Arrhythmias can be caused by heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, structural abnormalities in the heart, [high blood pressure](/glossary/hypertension), [thyroid](/glossary/thyroid) disorders, excessive caffeine or alcohol, certain medications, and stress. Some people are born with electrical pathway abnormalities that predispose them to arrhythmias.

## Also Known As

Irregular heartbeat Heart rhythm disorder Cardiac arrhythmia 

## Key Facts

-   • Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common serious arrhythmia, affecting over 2.7 million Americans. 
-   • Many arrhythmias produce no symptoms and are discovered incidentally during routine exams. 
-   • Symptoms can include heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fainting. 
-   • An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) is the primary diagnostic tool for identifying arrhythmias. 
-   • Treatment ranges from lifestyle modifications to medications, ablation procedures, or implantable devices like pacemakers. 
-   • AFib increases stroke risk by approximately five times, making blood-thinning medication essential for many patients. 

## How It Relates To Your Health

If you experience heart palpitations, a racing heart, dizziness, or fainting episodes, an arrhythmia may be the cause. While many arrhythmias are benign, some require treatment to prevent serious complications including stroke and [heart failure](/conditions/heart-failure). [Atrial fibrillation](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation) in particular is a major risk factor for stroke because the irregular heartbeat allows blood to pool and form clots in the heart.

Modern treatments for arrhythmias are highly effective. Catheter ablation - a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the tissue causing abnormal electrical signals - can cure many types of arrhythmia. For others, medications or implantable devices provide reliable management.

## Related Terms

[Hypertension](/glossary/hypertension)[Myocardial Infarction](/glossary/myocardial-infarction)[Ejection Fraction](/glossary/ejection-fraction)

## Related Conditions

[

### Atrial Fibrillation

Cardiovascular 

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, where the heart's upper chambers beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers. This increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.

Heart palpitations Fatigue Dizziness or lightheadedness 

Episodic Learn More 

](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation)[

### Heart Failure

Cardiovascular 

Heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart muscle becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to back up in the lungs, abdomen, and extremities. It does not mean the heart has stopped but rather that it cannot meet the body's needs.

Swelling in legs and ankles Persistent cough or wheezing Fatigue and weakness 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/heart-failure)

## Sources

1.  [Arrhythmia](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/arrhythmias) - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)
2.  [Heart arrhythmia](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-arrhythmia/symptoms-causes/syc-20350668) - Mayo Clinic
3.  [About Arrhythmia](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia) - American Heart Association

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