Heart arrhythmias & heart rhythm disorders

A heart arrhythmia happens when the electrical signals that control your heartbeat don't work the way they should, causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. Heart rhythm disorders range from harmless to serious, and symptoms can include palpitations, dizziness or fatigue. With the right care, most people with an abnormal heart rhythm can manage their condition and protect their long-term heart health.

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Medical illustration comparing internal heart anatomy and blood flow pathways.

Anatomy of the heart

Your heart's rhythm is controlled by an electrical system that sends signals telling the upper and lower chambers when to contract. These signals normally start in the sinus node, travel through the atria, and reach the ventricles in a coordinated pattern that keeps blood moving efficiently through your body.

When this electrical system misfires, the heart's chambers may beat out of sync, too quickly or too slowly. Depending on where the disruption starts and how it affects blood flow, arrhythmia can range from a minor annoyance to a condition that needs prompt treatment.

Overview

Symptoms

An irregular heartbeat can feel different from person to person, and some people don't notice any symptoms at all. Common signs include:

Heart palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest
A racing or pounding heartbeat
A heartbeat that feels unusually slow
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort
Fatigue or unexplained weakness

Symptoms may come and go or stay constant, and they can change depending on the specific type of rhythm disorder.

Causes

Heart rhythm disorders develop when the heart's electrical signals become disrupted. This can happen on its own or because of other heart conditions, including:

Coronary artery disease
Heart attack or heart failure
Cardiomyopathy
High blood pressure
Heart valve disorders
Electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium or sodium
Heart inflammation or prior heart surgery

In some cases, the exact cause of an arrhythmia isn't clear.

Risk factors

Certain factors can raise your likelihood of developing a heart rhythm disorder, though having one or more of these doesn't mean you'll develop this condition:

A family history of arrhythmia or heart disease
Age, since arrhythmia risk increases over time
Underlying heart conditions
High blood pressure or diabetes
Excess alcohol or caffeine use
Smoking
Chronic stress or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea

Knowing your risk factors can help you and your care team make informed decisions about monitoring and prevention.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a heart rhythm disorder typically starts with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history and any patterns you've noticed, followed by a physical exam. Your care team may recommend additional testing to pinpoint the type of arrhythmia and its cause. Common tests include:

Electrocardiogram (EKG), which records the heart's electrical activity
Echocardiogram, which creates images of the heart's structure and function
Wearable heart monitor, which tracks heart rhythm over several days
Implantable loop recorder, which monitors heart rhythm over a longer period
Stress test, which evaluates how your heart responds to physical activity

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We offer treatments for a wide range of heart and vascular conditions, including medicines, minimally invasive procedures and surgery, based on your needs.

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