Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat caused by changes in the heart’s electrical system. The heart may beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are temporary, while others may require treatment to help lower the risk of complications.

Temporary arrhythmias can be triggered by caffeine, alcohol or stress. Other factors that may increase the risk of a more persistent arrhythmia include: 

• Age
• Diabetes
• Excess weight, especially around the waist
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Sleep apnea, thyroid conditions or asthma
• Smoking or recreational drug use

Stress, anxiety, caffeine and alcohol can sometimes trigger temporary irregular heartbeats or heart palpitations. Ongoing stress may also affect heart health over time. If you frequently notice irregular heartbeats, dizziness, chest discomfort or shortness of breath, talk with your doctor about evaluation and testing.

Not always. Heart palpitations are sensations that may feel like fluttering, pounding or a skipped heartbeat. They can happen for many reasons — including stress, caffeine or exercise — and aren't always a sign of arrhythmia. Some people with arrhythmia have palpitations, but not everyone who has palpitations has an arrhythmia.

Some arrhythmias cause noticeable symptoms, while others may not cause symptoms at all.

Symptoms include:

• Heart palpitations
• Racing heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort

Your doctor may recommend testing if you have symptoms or risk factors for heart rhythm conditions.

Arrhythmias are generally grouped into 2 categories based on heart rate:

• Bradycardia is a heartbeat that's too slow — fewer than 60 beats per minute. Symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and fainting.
• Tachycardia is a heartbeat that's too fast — more than 100 beats per minute. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, a racing heart, dizziness and shortness of breath.
• Specific types of arrhythmia include atrial fibrillation (AFib), atrial flutter, premature atrial contractions, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and ventricular fibrillation.

Heart specialists use several tests for heart arrhythmia diagnosis, depending on your symptoms and medical history. This includes:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Heart monitoring
• Blood tests
• Echocardiogram
• Stress testing
• Tilt table testing

Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia, your symptoms and your overall health. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

• Medication: Prescription drugs can help control heart rhythm, slow the heart rate or manage symptoms. Blood thinners may also be prescribed to lower the risk of blood clots and stroke.
• Cardiac ablation: A specialist uses heat or cold to treat the area of the heart causing the irregular rhythm.
• Cardioversion: A brief, controlled electrical shock resets the heart's rhythm. It's often used for AFib and atrial flutter and is done in a hospital setting.
• Pacemaker: A small device placed under the skin near the heart sends electrical signals to keep the heart beating at a normal rate when it beats too slowly.
• Implantable defibrillator (ICD): A small device placed under the skin watches your heart rhythm and delivers a shock to reset it if it becomes dangerously fast or irregular.
• Heart surgery: For arrhythmias that don't respond to other treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques when possible.
• Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, exercising, eating well and reducing stress can all help manage symptoms and support a healthier heart.