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Moderate severity
· Cardiology
Arrhythmia
Irregular heartbeat · Skipped or racing beats
An electrical glitch in the heart's wiring causes beats that are too fast, too slow or out of rhythm. Some are harmless; others raise stroke risk.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Common after 50
- Typical age
- Any age, more common after 50
- Outlook
- Most types are treatable
- System
- Heart
Reviewed by a practising cardiology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Coronary artery disease
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Caffeine, alcohol, stimulants
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Sleep apnea
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Palpitations or fluttering chest
- Dizziness, light-headedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Sudden fainting in serious cases
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- ECG and Holter monitor diagnosis
- Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers
- Catheter ablation for persistent cases
- Pacemaker for slow rhythms
- Blood thinners if AF present
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Limit caffeine and energy drinks
- Treat sleep apnea promptly
- Maintain healthy potassium and magnesium
- Manage stress with meditation
- Annual heart check after 50
Do’s
- Log when symptoms occur
- Carry a list of current medications
- Practice slow diaphragmatic breathing
- Wear a smart-watch monitor if advised
Don’ts
- Self-medicate with caffeine pills
- Mix recreational drugs with alcohol
- Ignore a heart rate over 100 at rest
- Skip blood-thinner doses
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all cardiology doctors Top 4 doctors for Arrhythmia
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
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2
DP
3
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.