Don't ignore these symptoms of common heart arrhythmias.

Your heart has a steady rhythm that helps pump blood to the rest of your body. Most of the time, you don't even notice it beating. But if your heart starts beating irregularly – too fast, too slow or in an uneven pattern – it can feel scary.

An irregular heartbeat is often called an arrhythmia. And while some arrhythmias are harmless, others may be dangerous and require medical care. That's why it's important to know whether your heart is beating irregularly. Understanding what symptoms to look for and what to do if you have them helps keep your heart healthier.

What is an arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia happens when the electrical signals that control your heartbeat don't work the way they should. This can cause your heart to beat out of rhythm or at the wrong speed. There are several common types, and they don't always affect people the same way.

Common types of heart arrhythmias include:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib). This is one of the most common types of arrhythmias and happens when the upper chambers of the heart beat in a fast and irregular way. AFib can cause symptoms like a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, weakness or feeling tired. Some people don't notice any symptoms at all. AFib is important to diagnose because it greatly raises the risk of stroke if not treated.
• Bradycardia. This means the heart beats too slowly. For some people, especially athletes, a slow heart rate can be normal. But if it causes dizziness, fatigue or fainting, it may be a sign that the heart isn't pumping enough blood.
• Tachycardia. This is when the heart beats too fast. It can start in the upper or lower chambers of the heart. You may feel like your heart is pounding, fluttering or skipping beats. In some cases, tachycardia can lead to serious problems if it lasts too long.
• Ventricular arrhythmias. These start in the lower chambers of the heart, called the ventricles. Examples include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. These types of irregular heartbeats are more serious and can be life threatening if not treated right away.

What should you do if you think you have an irregular heartbeat?

An irregular heartbeat doesn't always mean something serious, but it's not something to ignore. If you notice new symptoms like chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath or a fast heartbeat that will not slow down, seek medical care right away. For milder symptoms, it's still important to talk to your doctor. Keeping track of when symptoms happen and what you were doing at the time can be helpful.

How are arrhythmias diagnosed?

Doctors use several tools to diagnose an irregular heartbeat. An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is often the first test. It records the electrical activity of your heart. If the arrhythmia comes and goes, your doctor may ask you to wear a portable monitor for a few days or weeks. Blood tests, imaging tests or stress tests may also be used to look for causes like heart disease, thyroid problems or electrolyte imbalances.

How are irregular heartbeats treated?

Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia and how it affects you. Some people only need regular checkups. Others may need medications, lifestyle changes or medical procedures to help control the heart's rhythm.

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Date Last Reviewed: December 18, 2025

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

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