Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)

There are different types of heart rhythm problem.

You may have a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), a slow heartbeat (bradycardia) or an irregular heartbeat where the rhythm changes.

This can make you feel:

like your heart is pounding, racing, fluttering or missing a beat (heart palpitations) – this may last for a few seconds up to a few minutes
short of breath
lightheaded, dizzy or like you might faint
tired
chest pain or discomfort

Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a heart rhythm problem.

See a GP if:

You currently have heart palpitations with any of these symptoms:

If you've had these symptoms but they've now stopped, ask your GP surgery for an urgent appointment, call 111 or get help from 111 online.

How a heart rhythm problem is treated depends on the type you have and what's causing it.

Many people may not need any treatment at all or will only need regular check-ups.

Possible treatments include:

medicine to control the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat, such as beta blockers
burning or freezing the section of heart that's causing your faulty heart rhythm (ablation)
using electrical signals to reset your heart rhythm (cardioversion)
having a small electronic device that helps monitor and correct your heart rhythm fitted under your skin (pacemaker implantation)

You may also need treatment for any condition that's causing your heart rhythm problems.

Heart rhythm problems happen when there's a fault with the electrical system that makes your heart beat.

This can be the result of a heart rhythm condition, such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Sometimes other conditions can also cause heart rhythm problems, including:

You can also get an abnormal heartbeat from: