Arrhythmias

Alternative names:

abnormal heart rhythms; dysrhythmias

Symptoms:

• symptomatic arrhythmias:
• changes in the rate, rhythm, or pattern of the pulse
• sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• fainting
• light headedness, dizziness

Note: The person may be without symptoms. The first symptom may be sudden cardiac death (loss of heart beat) associated with lethal arrhythmias.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• clammy skin
• weak or absent pulse
• paleness
• temporarily absent breathing
• low blood pressure

Signs and tests:

Listening to the heart with a stethoscope (auscultation) or feeling the pulse may indicate an arrhythmia. Blood pressure may be low or normal.

Tests that reveal arrhythmias, and differentiate the type of arrhythmia, include:

• ECG
• 24 hour cardiac monitoring
• 24 hour Holter monitor
• echocardiogram
• coronary angiography

Various tests to confirm or rule out suspected causes of the arrhythmia may be appropriate.