Millions of people experience irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias, at some point in their lives. Most of the time, they are harmless and happen in healthy people free of heart disease. However, some abnormal heart rhythms can be serious or even deadly. Having other types of heart disease can also increase the risk of arrhythmias.

You may not know if you have a heart rhythm problem. Many heart rhythm problems can be minor and harmless. People with healthy hearts have heart rhythm disturbances from time to time.

Be alert to symptoms that may be caused by heart rhythm problems including:

• Skipped heart beats.
• A "fluttering" or pounding feeling in the chest.
• Feeling dizzy or light-headed.
• Sudden shortness of breath.
• Periodic weakness.
• Fainting or sudden loss of consciousness.

These symptoms may happen because your heart is beating irregularly or too fast or too slow.

You can measure your heart rate by taking your pulse. Below are some of the tests used to diagnose the different types of abnormal heart rhythms.

• Electrocardiograph (ECG)
• 24 hour ECG
• Echocardiogram (Echo)
• Electrophysiological Study

Your treatment plan may include medicine, surgery, and an implantable device depending on the type of heart rhythm problem and your symptoms.

You may be able to minimise heart rhythm problems by:

• Drinking less alcohol
• Quitting smoking
• Consulting with your doctor or nurse about an exercise prescription.
• Taking all of your medicines as directed.