An arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, usually means your heart is beating too fast, too slow or irregularly. What is an arrhythmia?An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Your heart is controlled by a conduction system which sends out electrical impulses. This causes a heartbeat. Arrhythmias are caused by a problem in this conduction system, which can make your heart beat too slowly, too quickly, or in an irregular way. There are different types of arrhythmia, the most common are:
What are the symptoms of an arrhythmia? The symptoms you have depend on what type of arrhythmia you have. The most common symptoms include:
The Ticker Tapes PodcastJust before her 14th birthday, Harminder was told she had a condition called Vasovagal Syncope - and would need a pacemaker to manage it. She talks about how her condition has affected everything in her life, from her education to romantic relationships - and why she is now determined to help other girls living with invisible disabilities. Hear Harminder's story > When should I see my GP?You should speak to your GP about your symptoms if:
You should dial 999 for an ambulance if:
What causes an arrhythmia?Some underlying conditions which could cause an arrhythmia are:
Some abnormal heart rhythms can be caused by inherited conditions, such as Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, CPVT and PCCD. If this is the case for you, your doctor will talk to you about having family members tested. Although this can be scary, it can help them know if they need treatment now or in the future. Other common triggers of an arrhythmia include:
How is an arrhythmia diagnosed?Your GP might refer you for tests including:
An ECG may include different tests such as a 24hr ECG, exercise ECG, and an implantable loop recorder. Information on what these tests are and what to expect can be found above on our ECG page. How is an arrhythmia treated?Your treatment will depend on your type of arrhythmia. Common treatments include:
Living with an arrhythmiaMost arrhythmias are manageable. This means that with the right treatment you can carry on living as you were before you were diagnosed. Living with an abnormal heart rhythm can be emotionally challenging for you and your family. It's important to manage anxiety and stress and get support from your GP or loved ones if needed. You might have to think about practical matters like driving, going on holiday and returning to work after being diagnosed with an arrhythmia. If your ability to drive is affected, you must let your insurance company and the DVLA know. Your GP can advise on whether you need to do this. If your job has an occupational health department, talk to them if you think your job role might have to be altered to better suit you.
Page last reviewed: October 2019 Next review due: October 2022 What causes WolffWolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a relatively common heart condition that causes the heart to beat abnormally fast for periods of time. The cause is an extra electrical connection in the heart. This problem with the heart is present at birth (congenital), although symptoms may not develop until later in life.
What is WPW pattern?Some people with an extra electrical pathway don't have signs or symptoms of a fast heartbeat. This condition is called Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern. It's often discovered by chance during a heart test.
What is the difference between SVT and WolffThe type of fast heart rate that occurs is called supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). So, WPW is a sub-group of patients with SVT. Pre-excitation is a finding on the resting electrocardiogram (ECG) that is specific to WPW.
Is Wolf Parkinsons White syndrome fatal?WPW is not a dangerous disease for most people. You can manage or correct the condition with treatment. The biggest risk is for sudden death from a heart attack, which tachycardia can cause. However, this is extremely rare, occurring in less than one-half of 1 percent of cases.
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Arrhythmia caused by electrical activity trapped in a circular pattern
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