How Do I Know if I Have an Arrhythmia?

Symptoms of arrhythmia vary depending on the cause of the problem and what part of the heart is affected. Common symptoms include palpitations (what is sometimes referred to as a "galloping" heartbeat), the sensation of skipped heartbeats, dizziness, fainting, unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain or pressure. Please be aware, however, that a person may have an arrhythmia and show no symptoms at all.

An occasionally skipped beat or rapidly beating heart is something that happens to nearly everyone at some time in his or her life and is not medically significant. However, if this condition occurs frequently, chronically or with increasing regularity, it may be a cause for concern. In such cases, be sure to consult with your doctor.