Arrhythmia

31 March 2025

An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that may cause your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or with an abnormal rhythm

What is Arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia occurs when the electrical signals that control your heart’s rhythm do not function properly. This can lead to:

Tachycardia – A fast heart rate (over 100 beats per minute)
Bradycardia – A slow heart rate (under 60 beats per minute)
Irregular Heartbeat – Skipped, extra, or abnormal heartbeats

While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Signs & Symptoms

Arrhythmias may not always cause noticeable symptoms, but common signs include:

Palpitations – A fluttering, racing, or pounding heartbeat
Dizziness or Lightheadedness – Feeling faint or about to pass out
Shortness of Breath – Difficulty breathing during activity or rest
Chest Pain or Discomfort – Pressure or tightness in the chest
Fatigue – Feeling excessively tired, even with rest
Fainting (Syncope) – Temporary loss of consciousness due to poor blood flow

If you experience severe chest pain, fainting, or sudden difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Potential Causes & Risk Factors

Arrhythmias can be caused by several factors, including:

Heart Disease – Coronary artery disease, heart failure, or previous heart attacks
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Puts extra strain on the heart
Electrolyte Imbalances – Low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium
Stress & Anxiety – Can trigger irregular heartbeats
Excessive Caffeine or Alcohol – Stimulants can affect heart rhythm
Thyroid Disorders – Overactive or underactive thyroid function
Smoking & Drug Use – Nicotine, stimulants, and recreational drugs can cause arrhythmias
Genetics – Family history of arrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest

Types of Arrhythmia

There are several different types of arrhythmias, including:

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – Irregular and rapid heartbeat that increases stroke risk
Atrial Flutter – A fast but organized heart rhythm problem
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) – Episodes of fast heart rate that start in the upper chambers
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) – A fast, abnormal heartbeat from the lower chambers
Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib) – A life-threatening arrhythmia requiring emergency treatment
Bradycardia – A slow heart rate that can cause fatigue and dizziness

Diagnosis

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we use advanced cardiac tests to diagnose arrhythmias, including:

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – A quick and painless test to measure heart activity
Holter Monitor (24-48 Hour ECG) – Continuous heart monitoring over a day or more
Event Recorder – A wearable device that records heart activity over weeks
Echocardiogram – A detailed ultrasound of the heart to check for structural problems
Stress Test (Exercise ECG) – Assessing heart rhythm during physical activity
Electrophysiology Study (EPS) – A specialized test to map abnormal electrical signals in the heart

Treatment Options

Managing high blood prTreatment for arrhythmia depends on the type and severity of the condition. Options include:

Lifestyle Changes & Monitoring

Reducing Stress – Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises
Avoiding Stimulants – Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
Heart-Healthy Diet – Low sodium, high-fiber, and balanced nutrition
Regular Exercise – Keeping the heart strong while avoiding overexertion

Medications for Arrhythmia

Antiarrhythmic Drugs – Help regulate heart rhythm
Beta-Blockers – Reduce heart rate and blood pressure
Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants) – Reduce the risk of stroke in AFib patients

Medical Procedures

Cardioversion – Electrical shock therapy to restore normal rhythm
Catheter Ablation – A minimally invasive procedure to destroy abnormal heart tissue
Pacemaker Implantation – A small device to regulate slow heartbeats
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – A device for high-risk patients to prevent sudden cardiac arrest

Monitoring and Long Term Management

Managing coronary artery disease requires regular check-ups and ongoing care. At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we Patients with arrhythmia require ongoing monitoring to prevent complications. At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we offer:

Regular ECGs & Holter Monitoring – Tracking heart rhythm changes
Medication Adjustments – Ensuring the most effective treatment plan
Cardiac Check-Ups – Routine heart health assessments
Stroke Prevention Programs – Managing AFib-related stroke risks

Early detection and treatment of arrhythmia can significantly improve heart health and quality of life.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide fast diagnosis, expert treatment, and ongoing care to support recovery and reduce future risk. Make an appointment with one of our private GPs who can refer you to our specialist cardiologist. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £100.

Any additional costs will always be discussed. They could apply if you are referred for an MRI scan, or to a consultant, or for other agreed decisions to support your health.

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.