🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 0 (from laksa154)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa000.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-arrhythmia-causes-symptoms/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-arrhythmia-causes-symptoms/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-arrhythmia-causes-symptoms\/","crawl_time":1775086055,"first_indexed_time":1670544177,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,healthpartners!www,\/blog\/heart-arrhythmia-causes-symptoms\/ s443","src_root_hash":"89668353990130200","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"What is a heart arrhythmia and what causes it? | HealthPartners Blog","meta_descriptions":["From flutters to a racing feeling to nothing at all, heart arrhythmia symptoms can vary. Learn more about what heart arrhythmias are, what causes them and more."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Typically, hearts will have a regular rhythm that can get slower or faster based on what you’re doing. If you have a heart arrhythmia, it means that the rhythm of your heart is off or unusual – and in many cases, there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason.\nFor example, you might wake up from sleep with a racing heart, feel a flutter in your chest while sitting on the couch or notice gaps between heartbeats during an evening walk. It’s also possible to have an irregular heartbeat and have no symptoms at all.\nMost changes to your heart’s rhythm are temporary and go away on their own. But some heart arrhythmias require medical treatment. Below, we’ll provide more information about heart arrhythmias, causes, symptoms and when to get help.\nA cardiac arrhythmia is some sort of irregular heartbeat. You may have one if:\nYour heart is beating faster than normal.\nYour heart is beating slower than normal.\nYou have erratic changes in heartbeat where beats seem to be added or dropped at random.\nWhat are heart arrhythmia symptoms?\nSymptoms of a heart arrhythmia can include:\nHeart palpitations – which can feel like skipped heartbeats or a\nfluttering in your chest\nRacing heartbeat – it may feel like your heart is pounding\nSlow heartbeat\nChest pain or tightness\nShortness of breath\nLightheadedness or dizziness\nSudden fainting\nAnxiety\nLow blood pressure\nFatigue\nBecause it’s possible to have an irregular heartbeat without obvious symptoms, you may not know you have one until your doctor finds it during a yearly checkup. This is just another\nreason why preventive care is so important\n.\nHow serious is an irregular heartbeat?\nAnyone can have an irregular heartbeat from time to time. Sometimes it’s nothing to worry about. But some changes in your heartbeat can be concerning because they affect how much blood gets to your lungs and the rest of your body.\nRapid, slow or irregular heartbeats that happen rarely usually don’t need medical care. But contact your doctor if you have heartbeat changes frequently, they don’t go away or if you have other symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness.\nIf you’re experiencing\nsigns of a heart attack\nsuch as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate or dizziness, call 911 immediately to get medical care.\nWhat causes a heart arrhythmia?\nSimply put, heart arrhythmias happen when one or more parts of your heart are blocked, weakened or otherwise malfunctioning. But to understand common heart arrhythmia causes, it helps to know a little about your heart and how different parts affect its rhythm.\nHow the sinus node affects your heart rhythm\nThe sinus node is a group of special heart cells that creates a momentary electrical signal that travels through the heart, causing it to contract. This contraction is what makes a heartbeat.\nThe normal adult heartrate is between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). Children’s heartbeats are very fast at birth (90-165 bpm for newborns) but about the same as adults by the time they reach adolescence.\nThe sinus node can be thought of as a natural pacemaker for the heart. If it doesn’t work properly, you may have an irregular heartbeat – your heart may beat too fast or too slow, or you may have skipped heartbeats.\nHow the ventricles and atria affect your heart rhythm\nTwo ventricles and two atria make up the four chambers of the heart. Each chamber plays a different role in making your heart beat.\nTop chambers:\nThe upper chambers are atria, responsible for receiving and collecting blood.\nBottom chambers:\nThe lower chambers are ventricles, and their purpose is to pump the blood.\nRight chambers:\nThe right atrium and ventricle work together to push blood to the lungs so that the blood can be filled with the oxygen your body needs.\nLeft chambers:\nThe left atrium and ventricle collect the oxygen-rich blood from the right side of the heart and push it out to the rest of the body.\nIf even one chamber isn’t working correctly, it can throw off the heart’s rhythm, causing an irregular heartbeat.\nWhat are the types of heart arrhythmias?\nCardiac arrhythmias affect your heart in different ways, based on where they occur and what causes them. Here’s what you need to know:\nPremature heartbeats\nIt’s not uncommon for a heart to add a beat. This change in rhythm can make you feel like your heart is fluttering or has skipped a beat. Generally, these types of irregular heartbeats are nothing to worry about.\nBradycardia\nA resting heartbeat lower than 60 bpm is considered\nbradycardia\n. Slow heartbeat can be caused if the sinus node is failing or if something is blocking the electrical system within your heart. If your heartbeat gets too slow, it might not push enough oxygen-rich blood out through your body, and you may faint or stop breathing.\nOf course, a low resting heart rate isn’t always a problem. If you exercise regularly, your body may get enough blood even if your heart is pumping less than 60 bpm.\nTypes of bradycardia\nthat may need medical attention include:\nSick sinus syndrome\n– If you have scarring near the sinus node, it can slow or block the electrical impulses, resulting in sick sinus syndrome. If you have this condition, you may have an irregular heartbeat or your heart’s rhythm may flip-flop between fast and slow heartbeats. This usually happens to older adults.\nHeart block\n– You can have slow or skipped heartbeats if there’s a block in the electrical pathway between the sinus node and a collection of cells called the AV node. Because electrical impulses don’t move as well through the heart, your heart may not beat like it should. Most people who have a heart block have\nheart disease\n, and often have had a heart attack.\nTachycardia\nA resting heart rate greater than 100 bpm is considered tachycardia. A fast heart rate can cause different problems based on where it happens.\nTachycardia in the upper heart\nThere are several different types of rapid heartbeats that can happen in the upper chambers of the heart, including:\nSupraventricular tachycardia\n– This is a fast heartbeat that starts in the heart’s upper chambers. “Supraventricular” means above the ventricles. If the\nsupraventricular tachycardia\nis short-lived and goes away on its own, it’s considered paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.\nAtrial fibrillation (Afib)\n– This condition is caused by rapid, irregular signals in the upper half of your heart (between 350-600 bpm) that are upsetting its normal rhythm. As a result, the atria twitch uselessly, and you may not have a strong, steady heartbeat. Afib can be serious since it increases your chance of\nstroke\n, heart failure, and blood clots in your heart and lungs.\nAtrial flutter\n– If you have an atrial flutter, it means that the upper chambers of your heart are beating very fast – between 240 and 340 bpm. It’s usually not life-threatening but can increase your chance of a stroke.\nTachycardia in the ventricles\nRapid or skipped heartbeats in the lower part of the heart tend to be the most serious arrhythmias, especially for people with heart conditions.\nVentricular tachycardia\n– If you have a rapid heartbeat in the lower chambers of your heart, the heart’s contractions may not be strong enough to push all the blood you need to your brain and the rest of your body. If you’re healthy,\nventricular tachycardia\nmay not always cause serious problems. But if you have heart disease, ventricular tachycardia can be an emergency situation.\nVentricular fibrillation\n– This type of arrhythmia occurs when fast, disorganized electrical signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of working to pump blood, and can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and sudden fainting. Ventricular fibrillation is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death.\nCan you prevent a heart arrhythmia?\nThere are many factors that affect your heart’s rhythm – some relate to your overall health and others come from the choices you make. The good news is that, in many cases, you can reduce your risk of serious heart arrhythmia that require medical attention.\nHeart arrhythmia risk factors based on health and medical conditions\nHeart abnormalities\n– You can be born with conditions that affect your heart’s ability to work correctly. These abnormalities can be related to the heart’s electrical system or the heart itself. Working with a primary care doctor or a cardiologist can help you reduce your risks.\nChanges to the heart over time\n– As you age, your heart changes, making it more likely that you’ll develop an arrhythmia. For example, you have a one in 10 chance of having atrial fibrillation if you over age 80. But if you’re under age 50, it’s very unlikely that you’ll have it. Staying on top of preventive care can help identify potential heart concerns.\nOther heart conditions\n– People with\nheart disease\nor a previous heart attack are more likely to have certain types of arrhythmias. Still, by taking steps to reduce high\nblood pressure numbers\nand improve cholesterol levels, you can make it less likely that you’ll have an arrhythmia that requires medical care.\nIllness and fever\n– When you’re sick, you may notice changes in your heart’s rhythm. Usually, these changes go away when you recover. But some people have lingering or new heart problems after an infection. Avoid getting sick by\ngetting a flu shot every year\nand staying up to date on your preventive care.\nSleep apnea\n– If you have\nsleep apnea\nand can’t breathe properly during the night, you have a higher chance of getting serious arrhythmias. So if you have sleep apnea,\nmake an appointment with a sleep specialist\n.\nBeing overweight\n– Excess weight can cause changes to your heart and make it less effective at pumping blood. Even a small weight loss can reduce your chance of getting Afib and other arrhythmias.\nStress and anxiety\n– You likely know that stress and anxiety can set your heart racing. It’s usually not a big deal if you get stressed out every now and then. But if the pressure is constant, the\nstress can have lasting effects on your heart\n. Look for ways to\nmanage stress\n– deep breathing, guided imagery, exercise are all good options, so is talking to a mental health professional.\nPregnancy\n– When you’re pregnant you can have minor changes in your heart rate or rhythm. This generally isn’t concerning unless you have risk factors for heart disease. But definitely bring up your concerns\nat your next prenatal appointment\n.\nHeart arrhythmia risk based on triggering activities or substances\nSmoking\n– A faster heartbeat and irregular heart rhythms are just a couple ways that smoking is bad for your heart (and the rest of your body). About one in 5 deaths in the Unites States is caused by smoking, according to the\nNational Heart, Lung and Blood Institute\n. If you’d like help quitting, talk to your primary care doctor.\nDrinking alcohol\n– When you drink, your body loses magnesium, a mineral that helps with normal heart rhythm. Drinking can also lead to dehydration and the loss of electrolytes that your body needs to work correctly. To lower your risk, limit the number of alcoholic beverages you drink each day – it should be no more than one for women and two for men.\nDietary supplements\n– Supplements such as goldenseal, oleander and motherwort can cause irregular heartbeats. This is one of the reasons you should always talk to your doctor about taking any supplements.\nExercise\n– Working out speeds up your heart rate and may also cause temporary changes in heart rhythm. And as mentioned earlier, being physically fit can lead to a lower resting heart rate since your heart pumps more effectively. But don’t let a heart rate change be an excuse to avoid being active. Getting regular exercise is helpful for nearly every aspect of your physical and mental well-being. Talk to your doctor about the\nheart-healthy workouts\nthat make sense for you.\nMedications\n– Irregular heartbeats can be caused by the overuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications used for asthma, colds and heart problems. So, make sure to read the labels.\nCaffeine\n– Drinking coffee, soda or energy drinks can increase your heart rate or cause it to skip a beat. But most of the time, the rhythm changes caused by caffeine are temporary and go away on their own. Unless your doctor says otherwise, a moderate amount of caffeine (4-5 cups pf coffee a day) is probably fine. But keep in mind that caffeine is also found in nonprescription medicines.\nIllegal drugs\n– Cocaine and methamphetamine stimulate the heart and can cause a variety of arrhythmias, including some that are fatal.\nWhen should I see a doctor about an irregular heartbeat?\nOften, changes in heartbeats and irregular heartbeats are temporary and nothing to worry about. But make an appointment with your primary care doctor or cardiologist if:\nThe changes in your heart rhythm are constant or don’t go away.\nYou feel lightheaded or dizzy when experiencing changes in your heart’s rhythm.\nYour symptoms are more frequent or more severe.\nYou have a personal or\nfamily history of heart disease\n.\nIf you’ve had a\nheart attack\n.\nIn the time leading up to your appointment, it’s a good idea to keep a record of episodes of heart arrhythmia. Whenever you feel an irregular heartbeat, take a moment to write down what you’re doing, how fast your heart is beating and if your heart feels like it’s fluttering or pounding too hard. This information can make it easier for your doctor to diagnose what’s going on with your heart.\nHow is a heart arrhythmia diagnosed?\nDuring your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and perform a physical exam. You may also need\nheart tests and screenings\nsuch as:\nElectrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)\n– Measures your heart’s electrical energy to see how fast and effectively it is beating.\nEchocardiogram (echo test)\n– Uses ultrasound imaging to take pictures of your heart as it beats. This helps your doctor understand how well your heart is pumping.\nIf your doctor thinks you may have a heart arrhythmia, they may ask you to use a device at home that collects information about changes in your heartbeat pattern.\nWhat are heart arrhythmia treatments?\nTreatment depends on the type or heart arrhythmia, what’s causing it and your overall health. If your irregular heartbeat needs care, your doctor or\ncardiologist\nmay recommend one or more of these options:\nBlood-thinning medicines\n– Make it less likely that blood will clot in your heart or lung, reducing your chance of a stroke.\nRate-control medicines\n– Control the rate your heart beats so it doesn’t go too fast or too slow.\nRhythm-control medicines\n– Help your heart beat with a normal rhythm.\nCatheter ablation procedure\n– Treats small areas of the heart to create scar tissue that blocks the spread of abnormal electrical signals in the heart muscle.\nCardioversion procedure\n– Uses a precise controlled shock to get heartbeat back to normal.\nPacemaker\n– Sends regular electrical pulses to the heart to help keep its rhythm steady.\nImplantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)\n– Delivers an electrical pulse to help reset the heart when there’s a dangerously irregular heartbeat.\nLifestyle changes\n– For example, your doctor may recommend that you get more exercise, lose weight or eat a\nheart-healthy diet\npacked with fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and\ngood fats\n.\nHeart arrhythmia help that’s in sync with your needs\nArrhythmias happen – even to healthy hearts – and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to prevent every fast, slow or skipped heartbeat. But it’s totally possible to live with heart arrhythmia by takings steps to eat right, stay active and keep up on your preventive care.\nIf you’re concerned about how your heart is beating, start by talking to your primary care doctor. They’ll be able to provide you tips for managing mild arrhythmia symptoms and refer you to a cardiologist if you have a heart condition that requires more specific care.","attrs_markdown":"Skip to main content\n\n[![HealthPartners](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/content\/dam\/brand-identity\/logos\/master\/healthpartners\/hp-oneline-lockup\/hp-1h-rgb.svg)](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/)\n\n- About\n  \n  About\n  \n  Learn more about our leadership, research efforts and involvement in our local communities.\n  \n  [Overview](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/about\/)\n  \n  - [Leadership](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/about\/leadership\/)\n  - [Equity & inclusion](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/about\/welcome-valued-included\/)\n  - [Awards & recognition](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/about\/awards\/)\n  - [HealthPartners Institute](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/institute\/)\n  - [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/about\/newsroom\/)\n  - [Community engagement](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/about\/community\/)\n  - [Improving health care](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/about\/improving-healthcare\/)\n  - [Volunteer](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/about\/community\/volunteer\/)\n  - [Foundations](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/foundations\/)\n  - [Partner for good](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/about\/partner-for-good\/)\n- Services\n  \n  - [Clinics & hospitals](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/)\n  - [Insurance](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/insurance\/)\n  - [Pharmacy](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/insurance\/members\/pharmacy\/)\n  - [Living Well](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/insurance\/members\/health-programs\/wellness-and-rewards\/)\n- Blog\n  \n  Blog\n  \n  Here you'll find the latest health trends and advice from our experts.\n  \n  [Explore our blog](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/)\n  \n  - [Women's health](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/topic\/womens-health\/)\n  - [Kids' health](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/topic\/kids-health\/)\n  - [Men's health](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/topic\/mens-health\/)\n  - [Senior health](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/topic\/senior-health-and-aging\/)\n  - [Virtuwell blog](https:\/\/blog.virtuwell.com\/)\n  - [Insurance](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/topic\/insurance\/)\n  - [Medicare](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/medicare\/)\n  - [Community stories](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/topic\/healthpartners-community-stories\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/careers\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/contact\/)\n\n[Sign in](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/account\/sign-in\/)\n\nAbout\n\nServices\n\nBlog\n\n[Careers](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/careers\/)\n\n[Contact](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/contact\/)\n\n[Sign in](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/account\/sign-in\/)\n\n[HealthPartners Home](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/) \/ [Blog](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/) \/ [Heart and vascular health](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/topic\/heart-and-vascular-health\/) \/ What is a heart arrhythmia...\n\n![A person wearing a sweater has their hand placed over their heart](https:\/\/assets.healthpartners.com\/is\/image\/healthpartners\/brand-identity\/photography\/stock\/lifestyle\/women\/getty1213885630-2000x666.jpg?wid=968)\n\n# What is a heart arrhythmia and what causes irregular heartbeats?\n9 min read\n\n**by HealthPartners**\n\nTypically, hearts will have a regular rhythm that can get slower or faster based on what you’re doing. If you have a heart arrhythmia, it means that the rhythm of your heart is off or unusual – and in many cases, there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason.\n\nFor example, you might wake up from sleep with a racing heart, feel a flutter in your chest while sitting on the couch or notice gaps between heartbeats during an evening walk. It’s also possible to have an irregular heartbeat and have no symptoms at all.\n\nMost changes to your heart’s rhythm are temporary and go away on their own. But some heart arrhythmias require medical treatment. Below, we’ll provide more information about heart arrhythmias, causes, symptoms and when to get help.\n\n## What is a heart arrhythmia?\nA cardiac arrhythmia is some sort of irregular heartbeat. You may have one if:\n\n- Your heart is beating faster than normal.\n- Your heart is beating slower than normal.\n- You have erratic changes in heartbeat where beats seem to be added or dropped at random.\n### What are heart arrhythmia symptoms?\nSymptoms of a heart arrhythmia can include:\n\n- Heart palpitations – which can feel like skipped heartbeats or a [fluttering in your chest](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-palpitations\/)\n- Racing heartbeat – it may feel like your heart is pounding\n- Slow heartbeat\n- [Chest pain or tightness](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/chest-pain\/)\n- Shortness of breath\n- Lightheadedness or dizziness\n- [Sudden fainting](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-faint\/)\n- Anxiety\n- Low blood pressure\n- Fatigue\n\nBecause it’s possible to have an irregular heartbeat without obvious symptoms, you may not know you have one until your doctor finds it during a yearly checkup. This is just another [reason why preventive care is so important](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/preventive-care-101-what-why-and-how-much\/).\n\n### How serious is an irregular heartbeat?\nAnyone can have an irregular heartbeat from time to time. Sometimes it’s nothing to worry about. But some changes in your heartbeat can be concerning because they affect how much blood gets to your lungs and the rest of your body.\n\nRapid, slow or irregular heartbeats that happen rarely usually don’t need medical care. But contact your doctor if you have heartbeat changes frequently, they don’t go away or if you have other symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness.\n\n[Make a primary care appointment](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/appointments\/start?main=primary-care)\n\nIf you’re experiencing [signs of a heart attack](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/recognize-signs-heart-attack\/) such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate or dizziness, call 911 immediately to get medical care.\n\n## What causes a heart arrhythmia?\nSimply put, heart arrhythmias happen when one or more parts of your heart are blocked, weakened or otherwise malfunctioning. But to understand common heart arrhythmia causes, it helps to know a little about your heart and how different parts affect its rhythm.\n\n### How the sinus node affects your heart rhythm\nThe sinus node is a group of special heart cells that creates a momentary electrical signal that travels through the heart, causing it to contract. This contraction is what makes a heartbeat.\n\nThe normal adult heartrate is between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). Children’s heartbeats are very fast at birth (90-165 bpm for newborns) but about the same as adults by the time they reach adolescence.\n\nThe sinus node can be thought of as a natural pacemaker for the heart. If it doesn’t work properly, you may have an irregular heartbeat – your heart may beat too fast or too slow, or you may have skipped heartbeats.\n\n### How the ventricles and atria affect your heart rhythm\nTwo ventricles and two atria make up the four chambers of the heart. Each chamber plays a different role in making your heart beat.\n\n- **Top chambers:** The upper chambers are atria, responsible for receiving and collecting blood.\n- **Bottom chambers:** The lower chambers are ventricles, and their purpose is to pump the blood.\n- **Right chambers:** The right atrium and ventricle work together to push blood to the lungs so that the blood can be filled with the oxygen your body needs.\n- **Left chambers:** The left atrium and ventricle collect the oxygen-rich blood from the right side of the heart and push it out to the rest of the body.\n\nIf even one chamber isn’t working correctly, it can throw off the heart’s rhythm, causing an irregular heartbeat.\n\n## What are the types of heart arrhythmias?\nCardiac arrhythmias affect your heart in different ways, based on where they occur and what causes them. Here’s what you need to know:\n\n### Premature heartbeats\nIt’s not uncommon for a heart to add a beat. This change in rhythm can make you feel like your heart is fluttering or has skipped a beat. Generally, these types of irregular heartbeats are nothing to worry about.\n\n### Bradycardia\nA resting heartbeat lower than 60 bpm is considered [bradycardia](https:\/\/www.healthwise.net\/healthpartners\/Content\/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=aa107571). Slow heartbeat can be caused if the sinus node is failing or if something is blocking the electrical system within your heart. If your heartbeat gets too slow, it might not push enough oxygen-rich blood out through your body, and you may faint or stop breathing.\n\nOf course, a low resting heart rate isn’t always a problem. If you exercise regularly, your body may get enough blood even if your heart is pumping less than 60 bpm.\n\n[Types of bradycardia](https:\/\/www.healthwise.net\/healthpartners\/Content\/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=aa108061) that may need medical attention include:\n\n- **Sick sinus syndrome** – If you have scarring near the sinus node, it can slow or block the electrical impulses, resulting in sick sinus syndrome. If you have this condition, you may have an irregular heartbeat or your heart’s rhythm may flip-flop between fast and slow heartbeats. This usually happens to older adults.\n- **Heart block** – You can have slow or skipped heartbeats if there’s a block in the electrical pathway between the sinus node and a collection of cells called the AV node. Because electrical impulses don’t move as well through the heart, your heart may not beat like it should. Most people who have a heart block have [heart disease](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/specialty\/cardiology\/heart-disease\/), and often have had a heart attack.\n### Tachycardia\nA resting heart rate greater than 100 bpm is considered tachycardia. A fast heart rate can cause different problems based on where it happens.\n\n#### Tachycardia in the upper heart\nThere are several different types of rapid heartbeats that can happen in the upper chambers of the heart, including:\n\n- **Supraventricular tachycardia** – This is a fast heartbeat that starts in the heart’s upper chambers. “Supraventricular” means above the ventricles. If the [supraventricular tachycardia](https:\/\/www.healthwise.net\/healthpartners\/Content\/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=ps1684) is short-lived and goes away on its own, it’s considered paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.\n- **Atrial fibrillation (Afib)** – This condition is caused by rapid, irregular signals in the upper half of your heart (between 350-600 bpm) that are upsetting its normal rhythm. As a result, the atria twitch uselessly, and you may not have a strong, steady heartbeat. Afib can be serious since it increases your chance of [stroke](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/stroke-warning-signs-symptoms\/), heart failure, and blood clots in your heart and lungs.\n- **Atrial flutter** – If you have an atrial flutter, it means that the upper chambers of your heart are beating very fast – between 240 and 340 bpm. It’s usually not life-threatening but can increase your chance of a stroke.\n#### Tachycardia in the ventricles\nRapid or skipped heartbeats in the lower part of the heart tend to be the most serious arrhythmias, especially for people with heart conditions.\n\n- **Ventricular tachycardia** – If you have a rapid heartbeat in the lower chambers of your heart, the heart’s contractions may not be strong enough to push all the blood you need to your brain and the rest of your body. If you’re healthy, [ventricular tachycardia](https:\/\/www.healthwise.net\/healthpartners\/Content\/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=te7875spec) may not always cause serious problems. But if you have heart disease, ventricular tachycardia can be an emergency situation.\n- **Ventricular fibrillation** – This type of arrhythmia occurs when fast, disorganized electrical signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of working to pump blood, and can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and sudden fainting. Ventricular fibrillation is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death.\n## Can you prevent a heart arrhythmia?\nThere are many factors that affect your heart’s rhythm – some relate to your overall health and others come from the choices you make. The good news is that, in many cases, you can reduce your risk of serious heart arrhythmia that require medical attention.\n\n### Heart arrhythmia risk factors based on health and medical conditions\n- **Heart abnormalities** – You can be born with conditions that affect your heart’s ability to work correctly. These abnormalities can be related to the heart’s electrical system or the heart itself. Working with a primary care doctor or a cardiologist can help you reduce your risks.\n- **Changes to the heart over time** – As you age, your heart changes, making it more likely that you’ll develop an arrhythmia. For example, you have a one in 10 chance of having atrial fibrillation if you over age 80. But if you’re under age 50, it’s very unlikely that you’ll have it. Staying on top of preventive care can help identify potential heart concerns.\n- **Other heart conditions** – People with [heart disease](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/specialty\/cardiology\/heart-disease\/) or a previous heart attack are more likely to have certain types of arrhythmias. Still, by taking steps to reduce high [blood pressure numbers](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/which-numbers-mean-high-blood-pressure\/) and improve cholesterol levels, you can make it less likely that you’ll have an arrhythmia that requires medical care.\n- **Illness and fever** – When you’re sick, you may notice changes in your heart’s rhythm. Usually, these changes go away when you recover. But some people have lingering or new heart problems after an infection. Avoid getting sick by [getting a flu shot every year](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/flu-shot-myths\/) and staying up to date on your preventive care.\n- **Sleep apnea** – If you have [sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/signs-and-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea\/) and can’t breathe properly during the night, you have a higher chance of getting serious arrhythmias. So if you have sleep apnea, [make an appointment with a sleep specialist](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/specialty\/sleep-medicine\/).\n- **Being overweight** – Excess weight can cause changes to your heart and make it less effective at pumping blood. Even a small weight loss can reduce your chance of getting Afib and other arrhythmias.\n- **Stress and anxiety** – You likely know that stress and anxiety can set your heart racing. It’s usually not a big deal if you get stressed out every now and then. But if the pressure is constant, the [stress can have lasting effects on your heart](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/effects-of-stress-on-the-heart\/). Look for ways to [manage stress](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/manage-stress\/) – deep breathing, guided imagery, exercise are all good options, so is talking to a mental health professional.\n- **Pregnancy** – When you’re pregnant you can have minor changes in your heart rate or rhythm. This generally isn’t concerning unless you have risk factors for heart disease. But definitely bring up your concerns [at your next prenatal appointment](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/pregnancy-appointments-timeline\/).\n### Heart arrhythmia risk based on triggering activities or substances\n- **Smoking** – A faster heartbeat and irregular heart rhythms are just a couple ways that smoking is bad for your heart (and the rest of your body). About one in 5 deaths in the Unites States is caused by smoking, according to the [National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/heart\/smoking). If you’d like help quitting, talk to your primary care doctor.\n- **Drinking alcohol** – When you drink, your body loses magnesium, a mineral that helps with normal heart rhythm. Drinking can also lead to dehydration and the loss of electrolytes that your body needs to work correctly. To lower your risk, limit the number of alcoholic beverages you drink each day – it should be no more than one for women and two for men.\n- **Dietary supplements** – Supplements such as goldenseal, oleander and motherwort can cause irregular heartbeats. This is one of the reasons you should always talk to your doctor about taking any supplements.\n- **Exercise** – Working out speeds up your heart rate and may also cause temporary changes in heart rhythm. And as mentioned earlier, being physically fit can lead to a lower resting heart rate since your heart pumps more effectively. But don’t let a heart rate change be an excuse to avoid being active. Getting regular exercise is helpful for nearly every aspect of your physical and mental well-being. Talk to your doctor about the [heart-healthy workouts](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/best-exercises-for-heart-health\/) that make sense for you.\n- **Medications** – Irregular heartbeats can be caused by the overuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications used for asthma, colds and heart problems. So, make sure to read the labels.\n- **Caffeine** – Drinking coffee, soda or energy drinks can increase your heart rate or cause it to skip a beat. But most of the time, the rhythm changes caused by caffeine are temporary and go away on their own. Unless your doctor says otherwise, a moderate amount of caffeine (4-5 cups pf coffee a day) is probably fine. But keep in mind that caffeine is also found in nonprescription medicines.\n- **Illegal drugs** – Cocaine and methamphetamine stimulate the heart and can cause a variety of arrhythmias, including some that are fatal.\n## When should I see a doctor about an irregular heartbeat?\nOften, changes in heartbeats and irregular heartbeats are temporary and nothing to worry about. But make an appointment with your primary care doctor or cardiologist if:\n\n- The changes in your heart rhythm are constant or don’t go away.\n- You feel lightheaded or dizzy when experiencing changes in your heart’s rhythm.\n- Your symptoms are more frequent or more severe.\n- You have a personal or [family history of heart disease](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-family-history-of-heart-disease\/).\n- If you’ve had a [heart attack](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-attack-prevention-tips\/).\n\nIn the time leading up to your appointment, it’s a good idea to keep a record of episodes of heart arrhythmia. Whenever you feel an irregular heartbeat, take a moment to write down what you’re doing, how fast your heart is beating and if your heart feels like it’s fluttering or pounding too hard. This information can make it easier for your doctor to diagnose what’s going on with your heart.\n\n[Make a primary care appointment](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/appointments\/start?main=primary-care)\n\n## How is a heart arrhythmia diagnosed?\nDuring your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and perform a physical exam. You may also need [heart tests and screenings](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-tests-and-heart-screenings-why-when-and-how\/) such as:\n\n- **Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)** – Measures your heart’s electrical energy to see how fast and effectively it is beating.\n- **Echocardiogram (echo test)** – Uses ultrasound imaging to take pictures of your heart as it beats. This helps your doctor understand how well your heart is pumping.\n\nIf your doctor thinks you may have a heart arrhythmia, they may ask you to use a device at home that collects information about changes in your heartbeat pattern.\n\n## What are heart arrhythmia treatments?\nTreatment depends on the type or heart arrhythmia, what’s causing it and your overall health. If your irregular heartbeat needs care, your doctor or [cardiologist](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/specialty\/cardiology\/) may recommend one or more of these options:\n\n- **Blood-thinning medicines** – Make it less likely that blood will clot in your heart or lung, reducing your chance of a stroke.\n- **Rate-control medicines** – Control the rate your heart beats so it doesn’t go too fast or too slow.\n- **Rhythm-control medicines** – Help your heart beat with a normal rhythm.\n- **Catheter ablation procedure** – Treats small areas of the heart to create scar tissue that blocks the spread of abnormal electrical signals in the heart muscle.\n- **Cardioversion procedure** – Uses a precise controlled shock to get heartbeat back to normal.\n- **Pacemaker** – Sends regular electrical pulses to the heart to help keep its rhythm steady.\n- **Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)** – Delivers an electrical pulse to help reset the heart when there’s a dangerously irregular heartbeat.\n- **Lifestyle changes** – For example, your doctor may recommend that you get more exercise, lose weight or eat a [heart-healthy diet](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-healthy-diet\/) packed with fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and [good fats](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/unhealthy-vs-healthy-fats\/).\n## Heart arrhythmia help that’s in sync with your needs\nArrhythmias happen – even to healthy hearts – and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to prevent every fast, slow or skipped heartbeat. But it’s totally possible to live with heart arrhythmia by takings steps to eat right, stay active and keep up on your preventive care.\n\nIf you’re concerned about how your heart is beating, start by talking to your primary care doctor. They’ll be able to provide you tips for managing mild arrhythmia symptoms and refer you to a cardiologist if you have a heart condition that requires more specific care.\n\n[Make a primary care appointment](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/appointments\/start?main=primary-care)\n\nShare\n\n## Related posts\n![A doctor rests a hand on the hands of an older patient in a hospital bed as he explains the results of a heart scan.](https:\/\/assets.healthpartners.com\/is\/image\/healthpartners\/brand-identity\/photography\/stock\/lifestyle\/seniors\/getty151333481-2000x666.jpg?wid=764)\n\n## [Heart tests and screenings: why, when and how](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-tests-and-heart-screenings-why-when-and-how\/)\nWhether you’re cycling around Lake Harriet or cycling through your monthly to-do list, keeping an eye on your heart health \\[…\\]\n\n![Smiling senior man and woman](https:\/\/assets.healthpartners.com\/is\/image\/healthpartners\/brand-identity\/photography\/stock\/lifestyle\/seniors\/getty487685927-2000x666.jpg?wid=764)\n\n## [7 symptoms of heart disease to watch for (so you don’t miss a beat)](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/dont-miss-a-beat-7-symptoms-of-heart-disease-to-watch-for\/)\nMany of us get a little heartburn after indulging at our favorite Juicy Lucy joint. And we’ve all felt our \\[…\\]\n\n![A young man and woman chat and laugh as they lounge in their open tent. ](https:\/\/assets.healthpartners.com\/is\/image\/healthpartners\/brand-identity\/photography\/stock\/lifestyle\/kids\/getty1153698530-2000x666.jpg?wid=764)\n\n## [Heart-healthy diet: Here are foods that are good for your heart – and foods to avoid](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-healthy-diet\/)\nEating healthy does more than help to keep you in shape. For starters, it also lowers your chance of getting \\[…\\]\n\n## HealthPartners\n- [8170 33rd Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425](https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/8170+33rd+Ave+S,+Bloomington,+MN+55425\/)\n\n## Clinics & hospitals\n- [HealthPartners Clinics](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/find\/locations\/?brand=HealthPartners&dist=10)\n- [Park Nicollet Clinics](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/find\/locations\/?brand=Park+Nicollet&dist=11)\n- [Virtuwell online clinic](https:\/\/www.virtuwell.com\/)\n- [Specialty Centers](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/specialty-centers\/)\n- [Hospitals](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/hospitals\/)\n- [TRIA](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/tria-orthopedics\/)\n\n## Insurance\n- [Health insurance plans](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/insurance\/)\n- [For current members](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/insurance\/members\/)\n- [For 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[Tagalog](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/content\/dam\/brand-identity\/pdfs\/corporate\/language-assistance-for-patients-healthpartners.pdf \"Tagalong\")\n- [Polski](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/content\/dam\/brand-identity\/pdfs\/corporate\/language-assistance-for-patients-healthpartners.pdf \"Polish\")\n- [Italiano](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/content\/dam\/brand-identity\/pdfs\/corporate\/language-assistance-for-patients-healthpartners.pdf \"Italian\")\n- [Norsk](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/content\/dam\/brand-identity\/pdfs\/corporate\/language-assistance-for-patients-healthpartners.pdf \"Norwegian\")\n\n- © 2026 HealthPartners\n- [About](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/about\/)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Good faith estimate](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/legal\/right-to-a-good-faith-estimate\/)\n- [Nondiscrimination statement](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/hp\/legal-notices\/nondiscrimination\/index.html)\n- [Notice of privacy practices](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/hp\/legal-notices\/privacy-practices\/index.html)\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/hp\/legal-notices\/privacy\/index.html)\n- [Surprise billing](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/legal\/surprise-billing\/)\n- [Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/hp\/legal-notices\/terms\/index.html)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Typically, hearts will have a regular rhythm that can get slower or faster based on what you’re doing. If you have a heart arrhythmia, it means that the rhythm of your heart is off or unusual – and in many cases, there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason.\n\nFor example, you might wake up from sleep with a racing heart, feel a flutter in your chest while sitting on the couch or notice gaps between heartbeats during an evening walk. It’s also possible to have an irregular heartbeat and have no symptoms at all.\n\nMost changes to your heart’s rhythm are temporary and go away on their own. But some heart arrhythmias require medical treatment. Below, we’ll provide more information about heart arrhythmias, causes, symptoms and when to get help.\n\nA cardiac arrhythmia is some sort of irregular heartbeat. You may have one if:\n\n- Your heart is beating faster than normal.\n- Your heart is beating slower than normal.\n- You have erratic changes in heartbeat where beats seem to be added or dropped at random.\n### What are heart arrhythmia symptoms?\nSymptoms of a heart arrhythmia can include:\n\n- Heart palpitations – which can feel like skipped heartbeats or a [fluttering in your chest](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-palpitations\/)\n- Racing heartbeat – it may feel like your heart is pounding\n- Slow heartbeat\n- [Chest pain or tightness](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/chest-pain\/)\n- Shortness of breath\n- Lightheadedness or dizziness\n- [Sudden fainting](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-faint\/)\n- Anxiety\n- Low blood pressure\n- Fatigue\n\nBecause it’s possible to have an irregular heartbeat without obvious symptoms, you may not know you have one until your doctor finds it during a yearly checkup. This is just another [reason why preventive care is so important](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/preventive-care-101-what-why-and-how-much\/).\n\n### How serious is an irregular heartbeat?\nAnyone can have an irregular heartbeat from time to time. Sometimes it’s nothing to worry about. But some changes in your heartbeat can be concerning because they affect how much blood gets to your lungs and the rest of your body.\n\nRapid, slow or irregular heartbeats that happen rarely usually don’t need medical care. But contact your doctor if you have heartbeat changes frequently, they don’t go away or if you have other symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness.\n\nIf you’re experiencing [signs of a heart attack](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/recognize-signs-heart-attack\/) such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate or dizziness, call 911 immediately to get medical care.\n\n## What causes a heart arrhythmia?\nSimply put, heart arrhythmias happen when one or more parts of your heart are blocked, weakened or otherwise malfunctioning. But to understand common heart arrhythmia causes, it helps to know a little about your heart and how different parts affect its rhythm.\n\n### How the sinus node affects your heart rhythm\nThe sinus node is a group of special heart cells that creates a momentary electrical signal that travels through the heart, causing it to contract. This contraction is what makes a heartbeat.\n\nThe normal adult heartrate is between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). Children’s heartbeats are very fast at birth (90-165 bpm for newborns) but about the same as adults by the time they reach adolescence.\n\nThe sinus node can be thought of as a natural pacemaker for the heart. If it doesn’t work properly, you may have an irregular heartbeat – your heart may beat too fast or too slow, or you may have skipped heartbeats.\n\n### How the ventricles and atria affect your heart rhythm\nTwo ventricles and two atria make up the four chambers of the heart. Each chamber plays a different role in making your heart beat.\n\n- **Top chambers:** The upper chambers are atria, responsible for receiving and collecting blood.\n- **Bottom chambers:** The lower chambers are ventricles, and their purpose is to pump the blood.\n- **Right chambers:** The right atrium and ventricle work together to push blood to the lungs so that the blood can be filled with the oxygen your body needs.\n- **Left chambers:** The left atrium and ventricle collect the oxygen-rich blood from the right side of the heart and push it out to the rest of the body.\n\nIf even one chamber isn’t working correctly, it can throw off the heart’s rhythm, causing an irregular heartbeat.\n\n## What are the types of heart arrhythmias?\nCardiac arrhythmias affect your heart in different ways, based on where they occur and what causes them. Here’s what you need to know:\n\n### Premature heartbeats\nIt’s not uncommon for a heart to add a beat. This change in rhythm can make you feel like your heart is fluttering or has skipped a beat. Generally, these types of irregular heartbeats are nothing to worry about.\n\n### Bradycardia\nA resting heartbeat lower than 60 bpm is considered [bradycardia](https:\/\/www.healthwise.net\/healthpartners\/Content\/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=aa107571). Slow heartbeat can be caused if the sinus node is failing or if something is blocking the electrical system within your heart. If your heartbeat gets too slow, it might not push enough oxygen-rich blood out through your body, and you may faint or stop breathing.\n\nOf course, a low resting heart rate isn’t always a problem. If you exercise regularly, your body may get enough blood even if your heart is pumping less than 60 bpm.\n\n[Types of bradycardia](https:\/\/www.healthwise.net\/healthpartners\/Content\/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=aa108061) that may need medical attention include:\n\n- **Sick sinus syndrome** – If you have scarring near the sinus node, it can slow or block the electrical impulses, resulting in sick sinus syndrome. If you have this condition, you may have an irregular heartbeat or your heart’s rhythm may flip-flop between fast and slow heartbeats. This usually happens to older adults.\n- **Heart block** – You can have slow or skipped heartbeats if there’s a block in the electrical pathway between the sinus node and a collection of cells called the AV node. Because electrical impulses don’t move as well through the heart, your heart may not beat like it should. Most people who have a heart block have [heart disease](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/specialty\/cardiology\/heart-disease\/), and often have had a heart attack.\n### Tachycardia\nA resting heart rate greater than 100 bpm is considered tachycardia. A fast heart rate can cause different problems based on where it happens.\n\n#### Tachycardia in the upper heart\nThere are several different types of rapid heartbeats that can happen in the upper chambers of the heart, including:\n\n- **Supraventricular tachycardia** – This is a fast heartbeat that starts in the heart’s upper chambers. “Supraventricular” means above the ventricles. If the [supraventricular tachycardia](https:\/\/www.healthwise.net\/healthpartners\/Content\/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=ps1684) is short-lived and goes away on its own, it’s considered paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.\n- **Atrial fibrillation (Afib)** – This condition is caused by rapid, irregular signals in the upper half of your heart (between 350-600 bpm) that are upsetting its normal rhythm. As a result, the atria twitch uselessly, and you may not have a strong, steady heartbeat. Afib can be serious since it increases your chance of [stroke](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/stroke-warning-signs-symptoms\/), heart failure, and blood clots in your heart and lungs.\n- **Atrial flutter** – If you have an atrial flutter, it means that the upper chambers of your heart are beating very fast – between 240 and 340 bpm. It’s usually not life-threatening but can increase your chance of a stroke.\n#### Tachycardia in the ventricles\nRapid or skipped heartbeats in the lower part of the heart tend to be the most serious arrhythmias, especially for people with heart conditions.\n\n- **Ventricular tachycardia** – If you have a rapid heartbeat in the lower chambers of your heart, the heart’s contractions may not be strong enough to push all the blood you need to your brain and the rest of your body. If you’re healthy, [ventricular tachycardia](https:\/\/www.healthwise.net\/healthpartners\/Content\/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=te7875spec) may not always cause serious problems. But if you have heart disease, ventricular tachycardia can be an emergency situation.\n- **Ventricular fibrillation** – This type of arrhythmia occurs when fast, disorganized electrical signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of working to pump blood, and can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and sudden fainting. Ventricular fibrillation is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death.\n## Can you prevent a heart arrhythmia?\nThere are many factors that affect your heart’s rhythm – some relate to your overall health and others come from the choices you make. The good news is that, in many cases, you can reduce your risk of serious heart arrhythmia that require medical attention.\n\n### Heart arrhythmia risk factors based on health and medical conditions\n- **Heart abnormalities** – You can be born with conditions that affect your heart’s ability to work correctly. These abnormalities can be related to the heart’s electrical system or the heart itself. Working with a primary care doctor or a cardiologist can help you reduce your risks.\n- **Changes to the heart over time** – As you age, your heart changes, making it more likely that you’ll develop an arrhythmia. For example, you have a one in 10 chance of having atrial fibrillation if you over age 80. But if you’re under age 50, it’s very unlikely that you’ll have it. Staying on top of preventive care can help identify potential heart concerns.\n- **Other heart conditions** – People with [heart disease](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/specialty\/cardiology\/heart-disease\/) or a previous heart attack are more likely to have certain types of arrhythmias. Still, by taking steps to reduce high [blood pressure numbers](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/which-numbers-mean-high-blood-pressure\/) and improve cholesterol levels, you can make it less likely that you’ll have an arrhythmia that requires medical care.\n- **Illness and fever** – When you’re sick, you may notice changes in your heart’s rhythm. Usually, these changes go away when you recover. But some people have lingering or new heart problems after an infection. Avoid getting sick by [getting a flu shot every year](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/flu-shot-myths\/) and staying up to date on your preventive care.\n- **Sleep apnea** – If you have [sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/signs-and-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea\/) and can’t breathe properly during the night, you have a higher chance of getting serious arrhythmias. So if you have sleep apnea, [make an appointment with a sleep specialist](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/specialty\/sleep-medicine\/).\n- **Being overweight** – Excess weight can cause changes to your heart and make it less effective at pumping blood. Even a small weight loss can reduce your chance of getting Afib and other arrhythmias.\n- **Stress and anxiety** – You likely know that stress and anxiety can set your heart racing. It’s usually not a big deal if you get stressed out every now and then. But if the pressure is constant, the [stress can have lasting effects on your heart](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/effects-of-stress-on-the-heart\/). Look for ways to [manage stress](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/manage-stress\/) – deep breathing, guided imagery, exercise are all good options, so is talking to a mental health professional.\n- **Pregnancy** – When you’re pregnant you can have minor changes in your heart rate or rhythm. This generally isn’t concerning unless you have risk factors for heart disease. But definitely bring up your concerns [at your next prenatal appointment](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/pregnancy-appointments-timeline\/).\n### Heart arrhythmia risk based on triggering activities or substances\n- **Smoking** – A faster heartbeat and irregular heart rhythms are just a couple ways that smoking is bad for your heart (and the rest of your body). About one in 5 deaths in the Unites States is caused by smoking, according to the [National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/heart\/smoking). If you’d like help quitting, talk to your primary care doctor.\n- **Drinking alcohol** – When you drink, your body loses magnesium, a mineral that helps with normal heart rhythm. Drinking can also lead to dehydration and the loss of electrolytes that your body needs to work correctly. To lower your risk, limit the number of alcoholic beverages you drink each day – it should be no more than one for women and two for men.\n- **Dietary supplements** – Supplements such as goldenseal, oleander and motherwort can cause irregular heartbeats. This is one of the reasons you should always talk to your doctor about taking any supplements.\n- **Exercise** – Working out speeds up your heart rate and may also cause temporary changes in heart rhythm. And as mentioned earlier, being physically fit can lead to a lower resting heart rate since your heart pumps more effectively. But don’t let a heart rate change be an excuse to avoid being active. Getting regular exercise is helpful for nearly every aspect of your physical and mental well-being. Talk to your doctor about the [heart-healthy workouts](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/best-exercises-for-heart-health\/) that make sense for you.\n- **Medications** – Irregular heartbeats can be caused by the overuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications used for asthma, colds and heart problems. So, make sure to read the labels.\n- **Caffeine** – Drinking coffee, soda or energy drinks can increase your heart rate or cause it to skip a beat. But most of the time, the rhythm changes caused by caffeine are temporary and go away on their own. Unless your doctor says otherwise, a moderate amount of caffeine (4-5 cups pf coffee a day) is probably fine. But keep in mind that caffeine is also found in nonprescription medicines.\n- **Illegal drugs** – Cocaine and methamphetamine stimulate the heart and can cause a variety of arrhythmias, including some that are fatal.\n## When should I see a doctor about an irregular heartbeat?\nOften, changes in heartbeats and irregular heartbeats are temporary and nothing to worry about. But make an appointment with your primary care doctor or cardiologist if:\n\n- The changes in your heart rhythm are constant or don’t go away.\n- You feel lightheaded or dizzy when experiencing changes in your heart’s rhythm.\n- Your symptoms are more frequent or more severe.\n- You have a personal or [family history of heart disease](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-family-history-of-heart-disease\/).\n- If you’ve had a [heart attack](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-attack-prevention-tips\/).\n\nIn the time leading up to your appointment, it’s a good idea to keep a record of episodes of heart arrhythmia. Whenever you feel an irregular heartbeat, take a moment to write down what you’re doing, how fast your heart is beating and if your heart feels like it’s fluttering or pounding too hard. This information can make it easier for your doctor to diagnose what’s going on with your heart.\n\n## How is a heart arrhythmia diagnosed?\nDuring your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and perform a physical exam. You may also need [heart tests and screenings](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-tests-and-heart-screenings-why-when-and-how\/) such as:\n\n- **Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)** – Measures your heart’s electrical energy to see how fast and effectively it is beating.\n- **Echocardiogram (echo test)** – Uses ultrasound imaging to take pictures of your heart as it beats. This helps your doctor understand how well your heart is pumping.\n\nIf your doctor thinks you may have a heart arrhythmia, they may ask you to use a device at home that collects information about changes in your heartbeat pattern.\n\n## What are heart arrhythmia treatments?\nTreatment depends on the type or heart arrhythmia, what’s causing it and your overall health. If your irregular heartbeat needs care, your doctor or [cardiologist](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/care\/specialty\/cardiology\/) may recommend one or more of these options:\n\n- **Blood-thinning medicines** – Make it less likely that blood will clot in your heart or lung, reducing your chance of a stroke.\n- **Rate-control medicines** – Control the rate your heart beats so it doesn’t go too fast or too slow.\n- **Rhythm-control medicines** – Help your heart beat with a normal rhythm.\n- **Catheter ablation procedure** – Treats small areas of the heart to create scar tissue that blocks the spread of abnormal electrical signals in the heart muscle.\n- **Cardioversion procedure** – Uses a precise controlled shock to get heartbeat back to normal.\n- **Pacemaker** – Sends regular electrical pulses to the heart to help keep its rhythm steady.\n- **Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)** – Delivers an electrical pulse to help reset the heart when there’s a dangerously irregular heartbeat.\n- **Lifestyle changes** – For example, your doctor may recommend that you get more exercise, lose weight or eat a [heart-healthy diet](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/heart-healthy-diet\/) packed with fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and [good fats](https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/blog\/unhealthy-vs-healthy-fats\/).\n## Heart arrhythmia help that’s in sync with your needs\nArrhythmias happen – even to healthy hearts – and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to prevent every fast, slow or skipped heartbeat. But it’s totally possible to live with heart arrhythmia by takings steps to eat right, stay active and keep up on your preventive care.\n\nIf you’re concerned about how your heart is beating, start by talking to your primary care doctor. They’ll be able to provide you tips for managing mild arrhythmia symptoms and refer you to a cardiologist if you have a heart condition that requires more specific care.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	What is a heart arrhythmia and what causes it? \| HealthPartners Blog
Meta Description	From flutters to a racing feeling to nothing at all, heart arrhythmia symptoms can vary. Learn more about what heart arrhythmias are, what causes them and more.
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Boilerpipe Text	Typically, hearts will have a regular rhythm that can get slower or faster based on what you’re doing. If you have a heart arrhythmia, it means that the rhythm of your heart is off or unusual – and in many cases, there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason. For example, you might wake up from sleep with a racing heart, feel a flutter in your chest while sitting on the couch or notice gaps between heartbeats during an evening walk. It’s also possible to have an irregular heartbeat and have no symptoms at all. Most changes to your heart’s rhythm are temporary and go away on their own. But some heart arrhythmias require medical treatment. Below, we’ll provide more information about heart arrhythmias, causes, symptoms and when to get help. A cardiac arrhythmia is some sort of irregular heartbeat. You may have one if: Your heart is beating faster than normal. Your heart is beating slower than normal. You have erratic changes in heartbeat where beats seem to be added or dropped at random. What are heart arrhythmia symptoms? Symptoms of a heart arrhythmia can include: Heart palpitations – which can feel like skipped heartbeats or a fluttering in your chest Racing heartbeat – it may feel like your heart is pounding Slow heartbeat Chest pain or tightness Shortness of breath Lightheadedness or dizziness Sudden fainting Anxiety Low blood pressure Fatigue Because it’s possible to have an irregular heartbeat without obvious symptoms, you may not know you have one until your doctor finds it during a yearly checkup. This is just another reason why preventive care is so important . How serious is an irregular heartbeat? Anyone can have an irregular heartbeat from time to time. Sometimes it’s nothing to worry about. But some changes in your heartbeat can be concerning because they affect how much blood gets to your lungs and the rest of your body. Rapid, slow or irregular heartbeats that happen rarely usually don’t need medical care. But contact your doctor if you have heartbeat changes frequently, they don’t go away or if you have other symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness. If you’re experiencing signs of a heart attack such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate or dizziness, call 911 immediately to get medical care. What causes a heart arrhythmia? Simply put, heart arrhythmias happen when one or more parts of your heart are blocked, weakened or otherwise malfunctioning. But to understand common heart arrhythmia causes, it helps to know a little about your heart and how different parts affect its rhythm. How the sinus node affects your heart rhythm The sinus node is a group of special heart cells that creates a momentary electrical signal that travels through the heart, causing it to contract. This contraction is what makes a heartbeat. The normal adult heartrate is between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). Children’s heartbeats are very fast at birth (90-165 bpm for newborns) but about the same as adults by the time they reach adolescence. The sinus node can be thought of as a natural pacemaker for the heart. If it doesn’t work properly, you may have an irregular heartbeat – your heart may beat too fast or too slow, or you may have skipped heartbeats. How the ventricles and atria affect your heart rhythm Two ventricles and two atria make up the four chambers of the heart. Each chamber plays a different role in making your heart beat. Top chambers: The upper chambers are atria, responsible for receiving and collecting blood. Bottom chambers: The lower chambers are ventricles, and their purpose is to pump the blood. Right chambers: The right atrium and ventricle work together to push blood to the lungs so that the blood can be filled with the oxygen your body needs. Left chambers: The left atrium and ventricle collect the oxygen-rich blood from the right side of the heart and push it out to the rest of the body. If even one chamber isn’t working correctly, it can throw off the heart’s rhythm, causing an irregular heartbeat. What are the types of heart arrhythmias? Cardiac arrhythmias affect your heart in different ways, based on where they occur and what causes them. Here’s what you need to know: Premature heartbeats It’s not uncommon for a heart to add a beat. This change in rhythm can make you feel like your heart is fluttering or has skipped a beat. Generally, these types of irregular heartbeats are nothing to worry about. Bradycardia A resting heartbeat lower than 60 bpm is considered bradycardia . Slow heartbeat can be caused if the sinus node is failing or if something is blocking the electrical system within your heart. If your heartbeat gets too slow, it might not push enough oxygen-rich blood out through your body, and you may faint or stop breathing. Of course, a low resting heart rate isn’t always a problem. If you exercise regularly, your body may get enough blood even if your heart is pumping less than 60 bpm. Types of bradycardia that may need medical attention include: Sick sinus syndrome – If you have scarring near the sinus node, it can slow or block the electrical impulses, resulting in sick sinus syndrome. If you have this condition, you may have an irregular heartbeat or your heart’s rhythm may flip-flop between fast and slow heartbeats. This usually happens to older adults. Heart block – You can have slow or skipped heartbeats if there’s a block in the electrical pathway between the sinus node and a collection of cells called the AV node. Because electrical impulses don’t move as well through the heart, your heart may not beat like it should. Most people who have a heart block have heart disease , and often have had a heart attack. Tachycardia A resting heart rate greater than 100 bpm is considered tachycardia. A fast heart rate can cause different problems based on where it happens. Tachycardia in the upper heart There are several different types of rapid heartbeats that can happen in the upper chambers of the heart, including: Supraventricular tachycardia – This is a fast heartbeat that starts in the heart’s upper chambers. “Supraventricular” means above the ventricles. If the supraventricular tachycardia is short-lived and goes away on its own, it’s considered paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Atrial fibrillation (Afib) – This condition is caused by rapid, irregular signals in the upper half of your heart (between 350-600 bpm) that are upsetting its normal rhythm. As a result, the atria twitch uselessly, and you may not have a strong, steady heartbeat. Afib can be serious since it increases your chance of stroke , heart failure, and blood clots in your heart and lungs. Atrial flutter – If you have an atrial flutter, it means that the upper chambers of your heart are beating very fast – between 240 and 340 bpm. It’s usually not life-threatening but can increase your chance of a stroke. Tachycardia in the ventricles Rapid or skipped heartbeats in the lower part of the heart tend to be the most serious arrhythmias, especially for people with heart conditions. Ventricular tachycardia – If you have a rapid heartbeat in the lower chambers of your heart, the heart’s contractions may not be strong enough to push all the blood you need to your brain and the rest of your body. If you’re healthy, ventricular tachycardia may not always cause serious problems. But if you have heart disease, ventricular tachycardia can be an emergency situation. Ventricular fibrillation – This type of arrhythmia occurs when fast, disorganized electrical signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of working to pump blood, and can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and sudden fainting. Ventricular fibrillation is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death. Can you prevent a heart arrhythmia? There are many factors that affect your heart’s rhythm – some relate to your overall health and others come from the choices you make. The good news is that, in many cases, you can reduce your risk of serious heart arrhythmia that require medical attention. Heart arrhythmia risk factors based on health and medical conditions Heart abnormalities – You can be born with conditions that affect your heart’s ability to work correctly. These abnormalities can be related to the heart’s electrical system or the heart itself. Working with a primary care doctor or a cardiologist can help you reduce your risks. Changes to the heart over time – As you age, your heart changes, making it more likely that you’ll develop an arrhythmia. For example, you have a one in 10 chance of having atrial fibrillation if you over age 80. But if you’re under age 50, it’s very unlikely that you’ll have it. Staying on top of preventive care can help identify potential heart concerns. Other heart conditions – People with heart disease or a previous heart attack are more likely to have certain types of arrhythmias. Still, by taking steps to reduce high blood pressure numbers and improve cholesterol levels, you can make it less likely that you’ll have an arrhythmia that requires medical care. Illness and fever – When you’re sick, you may notice changes in your heart’s rhythm. Usually, these changes go away when you recover. But some people have lingering or new heart problems after an infection. Avoid getting sick by getting a flu shot every year and staying up to date on your preventive care. Sleep apnea – If you have sleep apnea and can’t breathe properly during the night, you have a higher chance of getting serious arrhythmias. So if you have sleep apnea, make an appointment with a sleep specialist . Being overweight – Excess weight can cause changes to your heart and make it less effective at pumping blood. Even a small weight loss can reduce your chance of getting Afib and other arrhythmias. Stress and anxiety – You likely know that stress and anxiety can set your heart racing. It’s usually not a big deal if you get stressed out every now and then. But if the pressure is constant, the stress can have lasting effects on your heart . Look for ways to manage stress – deep breathing, guided imagery, exercise are all good options, so is talking to a mental health professional. Pregnancy – When you’re pregnant you can have minor changes in your heart rate or rhythm. This generally isn’t concerning unless you have risk factors for heart disease. But definitely bring up your concerns at your next prenatal appointment . Heart arrhythmia risk based on triggering activities or substances Smoking – A faster heartbeat and irregular heart rhythms are just a couple ways that smoking is bad for your heart (and the rest of your body). About one in 5 deaths in the Unites States is caused by smoking, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute . If you’d like help quitting, talk to your primary care doctor. Drinking alcohol – When you drink, your body loses magnesium, a mineral that helps with normal heart rhythm. Drinking can also lead to dehydration and the loss of electrolytes that your body needs to work correctly. To lower your risk, limit the number of alcoholic beverages you drink each day – it should be no more than one for women and two for men. Dietary supplements – Supplements such as goldenseal, oleander and motherwort can cause irregular heartbeats. This is one of the reasons you should always talk to your doctor about taking any supplements. Exercise – Working out speeds up your heart rate and may also cause temporary changes in heart rhythm. And as mentioned earlier, being physically fit can lead to a lower resting heart rate since your heart pumps more effectively. But don’t let a heart rate change be an excuse to avoid being active. Getting regular exercise is helpful for nearly every aspect of your physical and mental well-being. Talk to your doctor about the heart-healthy workouts that make sense for you. Medications – Irregular heartbeats can be caused by the overuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications used for asthma, colds and heart problems. So, make sure to read the labels. Caffeine – Drinking coffee, soda or energy drinks can increase your heart rate or cause it to skip a beat. But most of the time, the rhythm changes caused by caffeine are temporary and go away on their own. Unless your doctor says otherwise, a moderate amount of caffeine (4-5 cups pf coffee a day) is probably fine. But keep in mind that caffeine is also found in nonprescription medicines. Illegal drugs – Cocaine and methamphetamine stimulate the heart and can cause a variety of arrhythmias, including some that are fatal. When should I see a doctor about an irregular heartbeat? Often, changes in heartbeats and irregular heartbeats are temporary and nothing to worry about. But make an appointment with your primary care doctor or cardiologist if: The changes in your heart rhythm are constant or don’t go away. You feel lightheaded or dizzy when experiencing changes in your heart’s rhythm. Your symptoms are more frequent or more severe. You have a personal or family history of heart disease . If you’ve had a heart attack . In the time leading up to your appointment, it’s a good idea to keep a record of episodes of heart arrhythmia. Whenever you feel an irregular heartbeat, take a moment to write down what you’re doing, how fast your heart is beating and if your heart feels like it’s fluttering or pounding too hard. This information can make it easier for your doctor to diagnose what’s going on with your heart. How is a heart arrhythmia diagnosed? During your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and perform a physical exam. You may also need heart tests and screenings such as: Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) – Measures your heart’s electrical energy to see how fast and effectively it is beating. Echocardiogram (echo test) – Uses ultrasound imaging to take pictures of your heart as it beats. This helps your doctor understand how well your heart is pumping. If your doctor thinks you may have a heart arrhythmia, they may ask you to use a device at home that collects information about changes in your heartbeat pattern. What are heart arrhythmia treatments? Treatment depends on the type or heart arrhythmia, what’s causing it and your overall health. If your irregular heartbeat needs care, your doctor or cardiologist may recommend one or more of these options: Blood-thinning medicines – Make it less likely that blood will clot in your heart or lung, reducing your chance of a stroke. Rate-control medicines – Control the rate your heart beats so it doesn’t go too fast or too slow. Rhythm-control medicines – Help your heart beat with a normal rhythm. Catheter ablation procedure – Treats small areas of the heart to create scar tissue that blocks the spread of abnormal electrical signals in the heart muscle. Cardioversion procedure – Uses a precise controlled shock to get heartbeat back to normal. Pacemaker – Sends regular electrical pulses to the heart to help keep its rhythm steady. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) – Delivers an electrical pulse to help reset the heart when there’s a dangerously irregular heartbeat. Lifestyle changes – For example, your doctor may recommend that you get more exercise, lose weight or eat a heart-healthy diet packed with fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and good fats . Heart arrhythmia help that’s in sync with your needs Arrhythmias happen – even to healthy hearts – and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to prevent every fast, slow or skipped heartbeat. But it’s totally possible to live with heart arrhythmia by takings steps to eat right, stay active and keep up on your preventive care. If you’re concerned about how your heart is beating, start by talking to your primary care doctor. They’ll be able to provide you tips for managing mild arrhythmia symptoms and refer you to a cardiologist if you have a heart condition that requires more specific care.
Markdown	Skip to main content [![HealthPartners](https://www.healthpartners.com/content/dam/brand-identity/logos/master/healthpartners/hp-oneline-lockup/hp-1h-rgb.svg)](https://www.healthpartners.com/) - About About Learn more about our leadership, research efforts and involvement in our local communities. 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If you have a heart arrhythmia, it means that the rhythm of your heart is off or unusual – and in many cases, there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason. For example, you might wake up from sleep with a racing heart, feel a flutter in your chest while sitting on the couch or notice gaps between heartbeats during an evening walk. It’s also possible to have an irregular heartbeat and have no symptoms at all. Most changes to your heart’s rhythm are temporary and go away on their own. But some heart arrhythmias require medical treatment. Below, we’ll provide more information about heart arrhythmias, causes, symptoms and when to get help. ## What is a heart arrhythmia? A cardiac arrhythmia is some sort of irregular heartbeat. You may have one if: - Your heart is beating faster than normal. - Your heart is beating slower than normal. - You have erratic changes in heartbeat where beats seem to be added or dropped at random. ### What are heart arrhythmia symptoms? Symptoms of a heart arrhythmia can include: - Heart palpitations – which can feel like skipped heartbeats or a [fluttering in your chest](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-palpitations/) - Racing heartbeat – it may feel like your heart is pounding - Slow heartbeat - [Chest pain or tightness](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/chest-pain/) - Shortness of breath - Lightheadedness or dizziness - [Sudden fainting](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-faint/) - Anxiety - Low blood pressure - Fatigue Because it’s possible to have an irregular heartbeat without obvious symptoms, you may not know you have one until your doctor finds it during a yearly checkup. This is just another [reason why preventive care is so important](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/preventive-care-101-what-why-and-how-much/). ### How serious is an irregular heartbeat? Anyone can have an irregular heartbeat from time to time. Sometimes it’s nothing to worry about. But some changes in your heartbeat can be concerning because they affect how much blood gets to your lungs and the rest of your body. Rapid, slow or irregular heartbeats that happen rarely usually don’t need medical care. But contact your doctor if you have heartbeat changes frequently, they don’t go away or if you have other symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness. [Make a primary care appointment](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/appointments/start?main=primary-care) If you’re experiencing [signs of a heart attack](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/recognize-signs-heart-attack/) such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate or dizziness, call 911 immediately to get medical care. ## What causes a heart arrhythmia? Simply put, heart arrhythmias happen when one or more parts of your heart are blocked, weakened or otherwise malfunctioning. But to understand common heart arrhythmia causes, it helps to know a little about your heart and how different parts affect its rhythm. ### How the sinus node affects your heart rhythm The sinus node is a group of special heart cells that creates a momentary electrical signal that travels through the heart, causing it to contract. This contraction is what makes a heartbeat. The normal adult heartrate is between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). Children’s heartbeats are very fast at birth (90-165 bpm for newborns) but about the same as adults by the time they reach adolescence. The sinus node can be thought of as a natural pacemaker for the heart. If it doesn’t work properly, you may have an irregular heartbeat – your heart may beat too fast or too slow, or you may have skipped heartbeats. ### How the ventricles and atria affect your heart rhythm Two ventricles and two atria make up the four chambers of the heart. Each chamber plays a different role in making your heart beat. - Top chambers: The upper chambers are atria, responsible for receiving and collecting blood. - Bottom chambers: The lower chambers are ventricles, and their purpose is to pump the blood. - Right chambers: The right atrium and ventricle work together to push blood to the lungs so that the blood can be filled with the oxygen your body needs. - Left chambers: The left atrium and ventricle collect the oxygen-rich blood from the right side of the heart and push it out to the rest of the body. If even one chamber isn’t working correctly, it can throw off the heart’s rhythm, causing an irregular heartbeat. ## What are the types of heart arrhythmias? Cardiac arrhythmias affect your heart in different ways, based on where they occur and what causes them. Here’s what you need to know: ### Premature heartbeats It’s not uncommon for a heart to add a beat. This change in rhythm can make you feel like your heart is fluttering or has skipped a beat. Generally, these types of irregular heartbeats are nothing to worry about. ### Bradycardia A resting heartbeat lower than 60 bpm is considered [bradycardia](https://www.healthwise.net/healthpartners/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=aa107571). Slow heartbeat can be caused if the sinus node is failing or if something is blocking the electrical system within your heart. If your heartbeat gets too slow, it might not push enough oxygen-rich blood out through your body, and you may faint or stop breathing. Of course, a low resting heart rate isn’t always a problem. If you exercise regularly, your body may get enough blood even if your heart is pumping less than 60 bpm. [Types of bradycardia](https://www.healthwise.net/healthpartners/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=aa108061) that may need medical attention include: - Sick sinus syndrome – If you have scarring near the sinus node, it can slow or block the electrical impulses, resulting in sick sinus syndrome. If you have this condition, you may have an irregular heartbeat or your heart’s rhythm may flip-flop between fast and slow heartbeats. This usually happens to older adults. - Heart block – You can have slow or skipped heartbeats if there’s a block in the electrical pathway between the sinus node and a collection of cells called the AV node. Because electrical impulses don’t move as well through the heart, your heart may not beat like it should. Most people who have a heart block have [heart disease](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/specialty/cardiology/heart-disease/), and often have had a heart attack. ### Tachycardia A resting heart rate greater than 100 bpm is considered tachycardia. A fast heart rate can cause different problems based on where it happens. #### Tachycardia in the upper heart There are several different types of rapid heartbeats that can happen in the upper chambers of the heart, including: - Supraventricular tachycardia – This is a fast heartbeat that starts in the heart’s upper chambers. “Supraventricular” means above the ventricles. If the [supraventricular tachycardia](https://www.healthwise.net/healthpartners/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=ps1684) is short-lived and goes away on its own, it’s considered paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. - Atrial fibrillation (Afib) – This condition is caused by rapid, irregular signals in the upper half of your heart (between 350-600 bpm) that are upsetting its normal rhythm. As a result, the atria twitch uselessly, and you may not have a strong, steady heartbeat. Afib can be serious since it increases your chance of [stroke](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/stroke-warning-signs-symptoms/), heart failure, and blood clots in your heart and lungs. - Atrial flutter – If you have an atrial flutter, it means that the upper chambers of your heart are beating very fast – between 240 and 340 bpm. It’s usually not life-threatening but can increase your chance of a stroke. #### Tachycardia in the ventricles Rapid or skipped heartbeats in the lower part of the heart tend to be the most serious arrhythmias, especially for people with heart conditions. - Ventricular tachycardia – If you have a rapid heartbeat in the lower chambers of your heart, the heart’s contractions may not be strong enough to push all the blood you need to your brain and the rest of your body. If you’re healthy, [ventricular tachycardia](https://www.healthwise.net/healthpartners/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=te7875spec) may not always cause serious problems. But if you have heart disease, ventricular tachycardia can be an emergency situation. - Ventricular fibrillation – This type of arrhythmia occurs when fast, disorganized electrical signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of working to pump blood, and can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and sudden fainting. Ventricular fibrillation is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death. ## Can you prevent a heart arrhythmia? There are many factors that affect your heart’s rhythm – some relate to your overall health and others come from the choices you make. The good news is that, in many cases, you can reduce your risk of serious heart arrhythmia that require medical attention. ### Heart arrhythmia risk factors based on health and medical conditions - Heart abnormalities – You can be born with conditions that affect your heart’s ability to work correctly. These abnormalities can be related to the heart’s electrical system or the heart itself. Working with a primary care doctor or a cardiologist can help you reduce your risks. - Changes to the heart over time – As you age, your heart changes, making it more likely that you’ll develop an arrhythmia. For example, you have a one in 10 chance of having atrial fibrillation if you over age 80. But if you’re under age 50, it’s very unlikely that you’ll have it. Staying on top of preventive care can help identify potential heart concerns. - Other heart conditions – People with [heart disease](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/specialty/cardiology/heart-disease/) or a previous heart attack are more likely to have certain types of arrhythmias. Still, by taking steps to reduce high [blood pressure numbers](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/which-numbers-mean-high-blood-pressure/) and improve cholesterol levels, you can make it less likely that you’ll have an arrhythmia that requires medical care. - Illness and fever – When you’re sick, you may notice changes in your heart’s rhythm. Usually, these changes go away when you recover. But some people have lingering or new heart problems after an infection. Avoid getting sick by [getting a flu shot every year](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/flu-shot-myths/) and staying up to date on your preventive care. - Sleep apnea – If you have [sleep apnea](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/signs-and-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea/) and can’t breathe properly during the night, you have a higher chance of getting serious arrhythmias. So if you have sleep apnea, [make an appointment with a sleep specialist](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/specialty/sleep-medicine/). - Being overweight – Excess weight can cause changes to your heart and make it less effective at pumping blood. Even a small weight loss can reduce your chance of getting Afib and other arrhythmias. - Stress and anxiety – You likely know that stress and anxiety can set your heart racing. It’s usually not a big deal if you get stressed out every now and then. But if the pressure is constant, the [stress can have lasting effects on your heart](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/effects-of-stress-on-the-heart/). Look for ways to [manage stress](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/manage-stress/) – deep breathing, guided imagery, exercise are all good options, so is talking to a mental health professional. - Pregnancy – When you’re pregnant you can have minor changes in your heart rate or rhythm. This generally isn’t concerning unless you have risk factors for heart disease. But definitely bring up your concerns [at your next prenatal appointment](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/pregnancy-appointments-timeline/). ### Heart arrhythmia risk based on triggering activities or substances - Smoking – A faster heartbeat and irregular heart rhythms are just a couple ways that smoking is bad for your heart (and the rest of your body). About one in 5 deaths in the Unites States is caused by smoking, according to the [National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart/smoking). If you’d like help quitting, talk to your primary care doctor. - Drinking alcohol – When you drink, your body loses magnesium, a mineral that helps with normal heart rhythm. Drinking can also lead to dehydration and the loss of electrolytes that your body needs to work correctly. To lower your risk, limit the number of alcoholic beverages you drink each day – it should be no more than one for women and two for men. - Dietary supplements – Supplements such as goldenseal, oleander and motherwort can cause irregular heartbeats. This is one of the reasons you should always talk to your doctor about taking any supplements. - Exercise – Working out speeds up your heart rate and may also cause temporary changes in heart rhythm. And as mentioned earlier, being physically fit can lead to a lower resting heart rate since your heart pumps more effectively. But don’t let a heart rate change be an excuse to avoid being active. Getting regular exercise is helpful for nearly every aspect of your physical and mental well-being. Talk to your doctor about the [heart-healthy workouts](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/best-exercises-for-heart-health/) that make sense for you. - Medications – Irregular heartbeats can be caused by the overuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications used for asthma, colds and heart problems. So, make sure to read the labels. - Caffeine – Drinking coffee, soda or energy drinks can increase your heart rate or cause it to skip a beat. But most of the time, the rhythm changes caused by caffeine are temporary and go away on their own. Unless your doctor says otherwise, a moderate amount of caffeine (4-5 cups pf coffee a day) is probably fine. But keep in mind that caffeine is also found in nonprescription medicines. - Illegal drugs – Cocaine and methamphetamine stimulate the heart and can cause a variety of arrhythmias, including some that are fatal. ## When should I see a doctor about an irregular heartbeat? Often, changes in heartbeats and irregular heartbeats are temporary and nothing to worry about. But make an appointment with your primary care doctor or cardiologist if: - The changes in your heart rhythm are constant or don’t go away. - You feel lightheaded or dizzy when experiencing changes in your heart’s rhythm. - Your symptoms are more frequent or more severe. - You have a personal or [family history of heart disease](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-family-history-of-heart-disease/). - If you’ve had a [heart attack](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-attack-prevention-tips/). In the time leading up to your appointment, it’s a good idea to keep a record of episodes of heart arrhythmia. Whenever you feel an irregular heartbeat, take a moment to write down what you’re doing, how fast your heart is beating and if your heart feels like it’s fluttering or pounding too hard. This information can make it easier for your doctor to diagnose what’s going on with your heart. [Make a primary care appointment](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/appointments/start?main=primary-care) ## How is a heart arrhythmia diagnosed? During your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and perform a physical exam. You may also need [heart tests and screenings](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-tests-and-heart-screenings-why-when-and-how/) such as: - Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) – Measures your heart’s electrical energy to see how fast and effectively it is beating. - Echocardiogram (echo test) – Uses ultrasound imaging to take pictures of your heart as it beats. This helps your doctor understand how well your heart is pumping. If your doctor thinks you may have a heart arrhythmia, they may ask you to use a device at home that collects information about changes in your heartbeat pattern. ## What are heart arrhythmia treatments? Treatment depends on the type or heart arrhythmia, what’s causing it and your overall health. If your irregular heartbeat needs care, your doctor or [cardiologist](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/specialty/cardiology/) may recommend one or more of these options: - Blood-thinning medicines – Make it less likely that blood will clot in your heart or lung, reducing your chance of a stroke. - Rate-control medicines – Control the rate your heart beats so it doesn’t go too fast or too slow. - Rhythm-control medicines – Help your heart beat with a normal rhythm. - Catheter ablation procedure – Treats small areas of the heart to create scar tissue that blocks the spread of abnormal electrical signals in the heart muscle. - Cardioversion procedure – Uses a precise controlled shock to get heartbeat back to normal. - Pacemaker – Sends regular electrical pulses to the heart to help keep its rhythm steady. - Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) – Delivers an electrical pulse to help reset the heart when there’s a dangerously irregular heartbeat. - Lifestyle changes – For example, your doctor may recommend that you get more exercise, lose weight or eat a [heart-healthy diet](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-healthy-diet/) packed with fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and [good fats](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/unhealthy-vs-healthy-fats/). ## Heart arrhythmia help that’s in sync with your needs Arrhythmias happen – even to healthy hearts – and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to prevent every fast, slow or skipped heartbeat. But it’s totally possible to live with heart arrhythmia by takings steps to eat right, stay active and keep up on your preventive care. If you’re concerned about how your heart is beating, start by talking to your primary care doctor. They’ll be able to provide you tips for managing mild arrhythmia symptoms and refer you to a cardiologist if you have a heart condition that requires more specific care. [Make a primary care appointment](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/appointments/start?main=primary-care) Share ## Related posts ![A doctor rests a hand on the hands of an older patient in a hospital bed as he explains the results of a heart scan.](https://assets.healthpartners.com/is/image/healthpartners/brand-identity/photography/stock/lifestyle/seniors/getty151333481-2000x666.jpg?wid=764) ## [Heart tests and screenings: why, when and how](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-tests-and-heart-screenings-why-when-and-how/) Whether you’re cycling around Lake Harriet or cycling through your monthly to-do list, keeping an eye on your heart health \[…\] ![Smiling senior man and woman](https://assets.healthpartners.com/is/image/healthpartners/brand-identity/photography/stock/lifestyle/seniors/getty487685927-2000x666.jpg?wid=764) ## [7 symptoms of heart disease to watch for (so you don’t miss a beat)](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/dont-miss-a-beat-7-symptoms-of-heart-disease-to-watch-for/) Many of us get a little heartburn after indulging at our favorite Juicy Lucy joint. 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Readable Markdown	Typically, hearts will have a regular rhythm that can get slower or faster based on what you’re doing. If you have a heart arrhythmia, it means that the rhythm of your heart is off or unusual – and in many cases, there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason. For example, you might wake up from sleep with a racing heart, feel a flutter in your chest while sitting on the couch or notice gaps between heartbeats during an evening walk. It’s also possible to have an irregular heartbeat and have no symptoms at all. Most changes to your heart’s rhythm are temporary and go away on their own. But some heart arrhythmias require medical treatment. Below, we’ll provide more information about heart arrhythmias, causes, symptoms and when to get help. A cardiac arrhythmia is some sort of irregular heartbeat. You may have one if: - Your heart is beating faster than normal. - Your heart is beating slower than normal. - You have erratic changes in heartbeat where beats seem to be added or dropped at random. ### What are heart arrhythmia symptoms? Symptoms of a heart arrhythmia can include: - Heart palpitations – which can feel like skipped heartbeats or a [fluttering in your chest](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-palpitations/) - Racing heartbeat – it may feel like your heart is pounding - Slow heartbeat - [Chest pain or tightness](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/chest-pain/) - Shortness of breath - Lightheadedness or dizziness - [Sudden fainting](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-faint/) - Anxiety - Low blood pressure - Fatigue Because it’s possible to have an irregular heartbeat without obvious symptoms, you may not know you have one until your doctor finds it during a yearly checkup. This is just another [reason why preventive care is so important](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/preventive-care-101-what-why-and-how-much/). ### How serious is an irregular heartbeat? Anyone can have an irregular heartbeat from time to time. Sometimes it’s nothing to worry about. But some changes in your heartbeat can be concerning because they affect how much blood gets to your lungs and the rest of your body. Rapid, slow or irregular heartbeats that happen rarely usually don’t need medical care. But contact your doctor if you have heartbeat changes frequently, they don’t go away or if you have other symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness. If you’re experiencing [signs of a heart attack](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/recognize-signs-heart-attack/) such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate or dizziness, call 911 immediately to get medical care. ## What causes a heart arrhythmia? Simply put, heart arrhythmias happen when one or more parts of your heart are blocked, weakened or otherwise malfunctioning. But to understand common heart arrhythmia causes, it helps to know a little about your heart and how different parts affect its rhythm. ### How the sinus node affects your heart rhythm The sinus node is a group of special heart cells that creates a momentary electrical signal that travels through the heart, causing it to contract. This contraction is what makes a heartbeat. The normal adult heartrate is between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). Children’s heartbeats are very fast at birth (90-165 bpm for newborns) but about the same as adults by the time they reach adolescence. The sinus node can be thought of as a natural pacemaker for the heart. If it doesn’t work properly, you may have an irregular heartbeat – your heart may beat too fast or too slow, or you may have skipped heartbeats. ### How the ventricles and atria affect your heart rhythm Two ventricles and two atria make up the four chambers of the heart. Each chamber plays a different role in making your heart beat. - Top chambers: The upper chambers are atria, responsible for receiving and collecting blood. - Bottom chambers: The lower chambers are ventricles, and their purpose is to pump the blood. - Right chambers: The right atrium and ventricle work together to push blood to the lungs so that the blood can be filled with the oxygen your body needs. - Left chambers: The left atrium and ventricle collect the oxygen-rich blood from the right side of the heart and push it out to the rest of the body. If even one chamber isn’t working correctly, it can throw off the heart’s rhythm, causing an irregular heartbeat. ## What are the types of heart arrhythmias? Cardiac arrhythmias affect your heart in different ways, based on where they occur and what causes them. Here’s what you need to know: ### Premature heartbeats It’s not uncommon for a heart to add a beat. This change in rhythm can make you feel like your heart is fluttering or has skipped a beat. Generally, these types of irregular heartbeats are nothing to worry about. ### Bradycardia A resting heartbeat lower than 60 bpm is considered [bradycardia](https://www.healthwise.net/healthpartners/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=aa107571). Slow heartbeat can be caused if the sinus node is failing or if something is blocking the electrical system within your heart. If your heartbeat gets too slow, it might not push enough oxygen-rich blood out through your body, and you may faint or stop breathing. Of course, a low resting heart rate isn’t always a problem. If you exercise regularly, your body may get enough blood even if your heart is pumping less than 60 bpm. [Types of bradycardia](https://www.healthwise.net/healthpartners/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=aa108061) that may need medical attention include: - Sick sinus syndrome – If you have scarring near the sinus node, it can slow or block the electrical impulses, resulting in sick sinus syndrome. If you have this condition, you may have an irregular heartbeat or your heart’s rhythm may flip-flop between fast and slow heartbeats. This usually happens to older adults. - Heart block – You can have slow or skipped heartbeats if there’s a block in the electrical pathway between the sinus node and a collection of cells called the AV node. Because electrical impulses don’t move as well through the heart, your heart may not beat like it should. Most people who have a heart block have [heart disease](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/specialty/cardiology/heart-disease/), and often have had a heart attack. ### Tachycardia A resting heart rate greater than 100 bpm is considered tachycardia. A fast heart rate can cause different problems based on where it happens. #### Tachycardia in the upper heart There are several different types of rapid heartbeats that can happen in the upper chambers of the heart, including: - Supraventricular tachycardia – This is a fast heartbeat that starts in the heart’s upper chambers. “Supraventricular” means above the ventricles. If the [supraventricular tachycardia](https://www.healthwise.net/healthpartners/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=ps1684) is short-lived and goes away on its own, it’s considered paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. - Atrial fibrillation (Afib) – This condition is caused by rapid, irregular signals in the upper half of your heart (between 350-600 bpm) that are upsetting its normal rhythm. As a result, the atria twitch uselessly, and you may not have a strong, steady heartbeat. Afib can be serious since it increases your chance of [stroke](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/stroke-warning-signs-symptoms/), heart failure, and blood clots in your heart and lungs. - Atrial flutter – If you have an atrial flutter, it means that the upper chambers of your heart are beating very fast – between 240 and 340 bpm. It’s usually not life-threatening but can increase your chance of a stroke. #### Tachycardia in the ventricles Rapid or skipped heartbeats in the lower part of the heart tend to be the most serious arrhythmias, especially for people with heart conditions. - Ventricular tachycardia – If you have a rapid heartbeat in the lower chambers of your heart, the heart’s contractions may not be strong enough to push all the blood you need to your brain and the rest of your body. If you’re healthy, [ventricular tachycardia](https://www.healthwise.net/healthpartners/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=te7875spec) may not always cause serious problems. But if you have heart disease, ventricular tachycardia can be an emergency situation. - Ventricular fibrillation – This type of arrhythmia occurs when fast, disorganized electrical signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of working to pump blood, and can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and sudden fainting. Ventricular fibrillation is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death. ## Can you prevent a heart arrhythmia? There are many factors that affect your heart’s rhythm – some relate to your overall health and others come from the choices you make. The good news is that, in many cases, you can reduce your risk of serious heart arrhythmia that require medical attention. ### Heart arrhythmia risk factors based on health and medical conditions - Heart abnormalities – You can be born with conditions that affect your heart’s ability to work correctly. These abnormalities can be related to the heart’s electrical system or the heart itself. Working with a primary care doctor or a cardiologist can help you reduce your risks. - Changes to the heart over time – As you age, your heart changes, making it more likely that you’ll develop an arrhythmia. For example, you have a one in 10 chance of having atrial fibrillation if you over age 80. But if you’re under age 50, it’s very unlikely that you’ll have it. Staying on top of preventive care can help identify potential heart concerns. - Other heart conditions – People with [heart disease](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/specialty/cardiology/heart-disease/) or a previous heart attack are more likely to have certain types of arrhythmias. Still, by taking steps to reduce high [blood pressure numbers](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/which-numbers-mean-high-blood-pressure/) and improve cholesterol levels, you can make it less likely that you’ll have an arrhythmia that requires medical care. - Illness and fever – When you’re sick, you may notice changes in your heart’s rhythm. Usually, these changes go away when you recover. But some people have lingering or new heart problems after an infection. Avoid getting sick by [getting a flu shot every year](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/flu-shot-myths/) and staying up to date on your preventive care. - Sleep apnea – If you have [sleep apnea](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/signs-and-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea/) and can’t breathe properly during the night, you have a higher chance of getting serious arrhythmias. So if you have sleep apnea, [make an appointment with a sleep specialist](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/specialty/sleep-medicine/). - Being overweight – Excess weight can cause changes to your heart and make it less effective at pumping blood. Even a small weight loss can reduce your chance of getting Afib and other arrhythmias. - Stress and anxiety – You likely know that stress and anxiety can set your heart racing. It’s usually not a big deal if you get stressed out every now and then. But if the pressure is constant, the [stress can have lasting effects on your heart](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/effects-of-stress-on-the-heart/). Look for ways to [manage stress](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/manage-stress/) – deep breathing, guided imagery, exercise are all good options, so is talking to a mental health professional. - Pregnancy – When you’re pregnant you can have minor changes in your heart rate or rhythm. This generally isn’t concerning unless you have risk factors for heart disease. But definitely bring up your concerns [at your next prenatal appointment](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/pregnancy-appointments-timeline/). ### Heart arrhythmia risk based on triggering activities or substances - Smoking – A faster heartbeat and irregular heart rhythms are just a couple ways that smoking is bad for your heart (and the rest of your body). About one in 5 deaths in the Unites States is caused by smoking, according to the [National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart/smoking). If you’d like help quitting, talk to your primary care doctor. - Drinking alcohol – When you drink, your body loses magnesium, a mineral that helps with normal heart rhythm. Drinking can also lead to dehydration and the loss of electrolytes that your body needs to work correctly. To lower your risk, limit the number of alcoholic beverages you drink each day – it should be no more than one for women and two for men. - Dietary supplements – Supplements such as goldenseal, oleander and motherwort can cause irregular heartbeats. This is one of the reasons you should always talk to your doctor about taking any supplements. - Exercise – Working out speeds up your heart rate and may also cause temporary changes in heart rhythm. And as mentioned earlier, being physically fit can lead to a lower resting heart rate since your heart pumps more effectively. But don’t let a heart rate change be an excuse to avoid being active. Getting regular exercise is helpful for nearly every aspect of your physical and mental well-being. Talk to your doctor about the [heart-healthy workouts](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/best-exercises-for-heart-health/) that make sense for you. - Medications – Irregular heartbeats can be caused by the overuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications used for asthma, colds and heart problems. So, make sure to read the labels. - Caffeine – Drinking coffee, soda or energy drinks can increase your heart rate or cause it to skip a beat. But most of the time, the rhythm changes caused by caffeine are temporary and go away on their own. Unless your doctor says otherwise, a moderate amount of caffeine (4-5 cups pf coffee a day) is probably fine. But keep in mind that caffeine is also found in nonprescription medicines. - Illegal drugs – Cocaine and methamphetamine stimulate the heart and can cause a variety of arrhythmias, including some that are fatal. ## When should I see a doctor about an irregular heartbeat? Often, changes in heartbeats and irregular heartbeats are temporary and nothing to worry about. But make an appointment with your primary care doctor or cardiologist if: - The changes in your heart rhythm are constant or don’t go away. - You feel lightheaded or dizzy when experiencing changes in your heart’s rhythm. - Your symptoms are more frequent or more severe. - You have a personal or [family history of heart disease](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-family-history-of-heart-disease/). - If you’ve had a [heart attack](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-attack-prevention-tips/). In the time leading up to your appointment, it’s a good idea to keep a record of episodes of heart arrhythmia. Whenever you feel an irregular heartbeat, take a moment to write down what you’re doing, how fast your heart is beating and if your heart feels like it’s fluttering or pounding too hard. This information can make it easier for your doctor to diagnose what’s going on with your heart. ## How is a heart arrhythmia diagnosed? During your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and perform a physical exam. You may also need [heart tests and screenings](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-tests-and-heart-screenings-why-when-and-how/) such as: - Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) – Measures your heart’s electrical energy to see how fast and effectively it is beating. - Echocardiogram (echo test) – Uses ultrasound imaging to take pictures of your heart as it beats. This helps your doctor understand how well your heart is pumping. If your doctor thinks you may have a heart arrhythmia, they may ask you to use a device at home that collects information about changes in your heartbeat pattern. ## What are heart arrhythmia treatments? Treatment depends on the type or heart arrhythmia, what’s causing it and your overall health. If your irregular heartbeat needs care, your doctor or [cardiologist](https://www.healthpartners.com/care/specialty/cardiology/) may recommend one or more of these options: - Blood-thinning medicines – Make it less likely that blood will clot in your heart or lung, reducing your chance of a stroke. - Rate-control medicines – Control the rate your heart beats so it doesn’t go too fast or too slow. - Rhythm-control medicines – Help your heart beat with a normal rhythm. - Catheter ablation procedure – Treats small areas of the heart to create scar tissue that blocks the spread of abnormal electrical signals in the heart muscle. - Cardioversion procedure – Uses a precise controlled shock to get heartbeat back to normal. - Pacemaker – Sends regular electrical pulses to the heart to help keep its rhythm steady. - Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) – Delivers an electrical pulse to help reset the heart when there’s a dangerously irregular heartbeat. - Lifestyle changes – For example, your doctor may recommend that you get more exercise, lose weight or eat a [heart-healthy diet](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/heart-healthy-diet/) packed with fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and [good fats](https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/unhealthy-vs-healthy-fats/). ## Heart arrhythmia help that’s in sync with your needs Arrhythmias happen – even to healthy hearts – and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to prevent every fast, slow or skipped heartbeat. But it’s totally possible to live with heart arrhythmia by takings steps to eat right, stay active and keep up on your preventive care. If you’re concerned about how your heart is beating, start by talking to your primary care doctor. They’ll be able to provide you tips for managing mild arrhythmia symptoms and refer you to a cardiologist if you have a heart condition that requires more specific care.
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