Arrhythmias: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Arrhythmias?
A cardiologist is a doctor who treats heart problems. Some heart doctors, called electrophysiologists, do procedures for problems with the heart's electrical signals. Your regular doctor can check your symptoms and send you to a heart doctor for tests. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is arrhythmias?
An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. The heart may beat too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. Changes in the electrical signals that control the heartbeat cause arrhythmias. A heartbeat that is too fast is called tachycardia. A heartbeat that is too slow is called bradycardia. Sometimes the signal to beat comes too early, which feels like a skipped or extra beat.
There are many types of arrhythmias. They can affect the upper or the lower chambers of the heart. The most common type is atrial fibrillation, which causes a fast, irregular heartbeat. Some are harmless. But a frequent irregular rhythm may mean the heart is not pumping enough blood to the body.
Symptoms
Some people have no symptoms at all, and an arrhythmia may be found during a routine checkup. When symptoms happen, they can include:
- A fast, slow, skipping, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sweating.
- Tiredness or weakness.
Causes and who gets it
Many things can affect the heart's rhythm. These include a past heart attack, smoking, heart defects present at birth, and stress. Other risks include a family history of arrhythmias, heart and blood vessel diseases, lung disease, kidney disease, obesity, and sleep apnea. Older age, some medicines, and illegal drugs also raise the risk. Low electrolytes can also cause arrhythmias. Electrolytes are substances in body fluids, such as sodium and potassium, that conduct electricity. Thyroid problems can also play a part.
How doctors diagnose it
The most common test is an electrocardiogram, also called an EKG. It records the heart's electrical activity. Your doctor may also ask about your symptoms, do an exam, check your pulse, and order blood tests. The exam may include checking your legs for swelling and looking for other causes, such as thyroid problems.
Treatment
Treatment may include medicines, an implanted device, or surgery. The goal is a normal heart rhythm. Medicines for a fast heartbeat include beta blockers, which can cause tiredness and stomach or sleep problems. Calcium channel blockers can cause stomach trouble, swollen feet, or low blood pressure.
Some people need a procedure. Catheter ablation uses thin tubes moved through blood vessels to the heart. The tube tip makes a small scar on the heart tissue causing the bad signals. The scar stops the signals. Risks include bleeding, infection, blood vessel damage, heart damage, new arrhythmias, and blood clots. A pacemaker is a small device that sends electrical pulses to help the heart beat at a normal rate. An ICD can prevent sudden death in people at high risk of a deadly arrhythmia. Doctors also treat the cause, such as low electrolytes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or thyroid problems.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, sudden weakness, or sudden trouble speaking, or think you are having a heart attack. Also see a doctor if you often feel a racing, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat. Without treatment, an arrhythmia can harm the heart, brain, or other organs.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can do an evaluation. They can check your pulse and blood pressure, order an EKG, and plan follow-up care with a heart doctor.
Common questions
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia. It causes a fast, irregular heartbeat. It can affect the upper chambers of the heart. Treatment may include medicines, procedures, or an implanted device.
Are arrhythmias dangerous?
Some arrhythmias are harmless, such as a heart rate that speeds up during exercise. But a frequent irregular rhythm may mean the heart is not pumping enough blood. Without treatment, arrhythmias can harm the heart, brain, or other organs.
Can arrhythmias be prevented?
You can lower your risk with heart-healthy habits and by treating health problems that can cause arrhythmias. These include high blood pressure, obesity, and sleep apnea. Not smoking also helps, since smoking can affect the heart's rhythm.
What is catheter ablation?
Catheter ablation is a procedure that stops abnormal electrical signals from causing an irregular heartbeat. A doctor moves thin tubes through blood vessels to the heart and makes a small scar on the tissue causing the problem. The scar blocks the signals.
Sources
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Arrhythmias: What Is an Arrhythmia?
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Arrhythmias: Treatment
- MedlinePlus - Arrhythmia | Irregular Heartbeat
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
