Cardiac Arrhythmia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cardiac Arrhythmia?
A cardiologist (a heart doctor) diagnoses and treats arrhythmias. Cardiologists, doctors who specialize in the heart, do procedures like cardioversion and catheter ablation. 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 cardiac arrhythmia?
A cardiac arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too fast, too slow, or in an odd rhythm. A fast beat is called tachycardia. A slow beat is called bradycardia. A beat that comes too early is a premature or extra heartbeat.
Arrhythmias happen when the heart's electrical signals, which control the heartbeat, do not work right. It is normal for your heart rate to speed up during activity and slow down while resting. But a frequent odd rhythm may mean your heart is not pumping enough blood to your body.
Symptoms
An arrhythmia may not cause any obvious symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they can include:
- Palpitations, a feeling that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or pounding.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Dizziness and fainting.
- Trouble breathing.
- Tiredness or weakness.
- Sweating.
If not treated, arrhythmias can damage the heart, brain, or other organs and could be life-threatening.
Causes and who gets it
Many factors can affect the heart's rhythm. The risk goes up with age. Heart problems also raise the risk. These include heart and blood vessel diseases, congenital heart defects (heart problems present at birth), and heart attack. Other risks are high blood pressure, thyroid disease, kidney disease, lung disease, obesity, and sleep apnea.
Arrhythmias can run in families. Lifestyle habits matter too. Smoking and illegal drug use raise the risk. Taking certain medicines for other health conditions can also raise the risk. Triggers include situations that make your heart work harder, raise your blood pressure, or cause strong emotional stress.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and lifestyle habits, then do a physical exam. The exam may include checking your pulse, listening to your heartbeat, and checking your legs or feet for swelling.
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is the most common test. It records the heart's electrical activity. Your doctor may also order blood tests and other heart tests.
Treatment
Arrhythmias are treatable with medicine or procedures that control the odd rhythms. Your doctor may prescribe medicines such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. These slow a fast heartbeat. If medicines do not work, options include cardioversion (electric shocks that restore a normal rhythm) or catheter ablation. Ablation scars the tiny area causing the bad signals. A pacemaker or implantable defibrillator, small devices that control the heartbeat, is another option.
You may also need to avoid activities that trigger your arrhythmia. Heart-healthy habits help too. Your provider may suggest heart-healthy lifestyle changes and treating health conditions that may cause arrhythmias.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or think you are having a heart attack. Call 911 if someone faints and does not become alert quickly (within a couple of minutes). See a doctor if you faint often or have new symptoms with fainting.
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. This doctor can listen to your heartbeat, check your pulse, and order first tests like an EKG. They can also refer you to a cardiologist and help manage your medicines and follow-up visits.
Common questions
Are arrhythmias dangerous?
Some are harmless. But a frequent odd rhythm may mean your heart is not pumping enough blood. If not treated, arrhythmias can damage the heart, brain, or other organs. They could be life-threatening.
Can arrhythmias be prevented?
Some steps may help. If you have a high risk, your doctor may ask you to avoid triggers, get treatment for other health conditions that may cause arrhythmias, and make heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
What is a palpitation?
A palpitation is a feeling of a skipping, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat.
How is an arrhythmia found if I have no symptoms?
Your doctor may find one during a routine checkup, even if you have no symptoms. An EKG, which records the heart's electrical activity, is the most common test.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Arrhythmia
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Arrhythmias Treatment
- MedlinePlus - Fainting
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.
