Symptoms of Arrhythmia

Approximately four million Americans have arrhythmias, or irregular heart beats. However, many of these disorders go undetected because people do not recognize the symptoms.

The symptoms of arrhythmia can include:

• Passing out or nearly passing out.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Irregular heart rhythm. You should be able to march to the rhythm of your heart beat.
• Strange sensations in your chest. Sometimes described as "fluttering," "fizzy-feeling," "feels like my heart is beating in my throat," or "feels like butterfly wings beating in my chest."
• Unusual amount of fatigue when doing usual daily activities.
• Unusually short of breath with minimal amount of exertion.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. If appropriate, your doctor may recommend that you seek further treatment from a cardiologist, or a physician who specializes in the treatment of arrhythmias known as an electrophysiologist.