When it comes to the human body, a regular heartbeat is something that we all rely on.
Medically reviewed by Dr Rehaam Ali Khan 


 An irregular heartbeat can indicate a serious underlying health condition, and it’s important to take it seriously. Irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, are characterized by changes in the speed, pattern or rhythm of the heart beat. There are various types of arrhythmias, each with its own set of causes and symptoms. 

One type of arrhythmia is tachycardia, which is an abnormally fast heartbeat that may range from 100 to 250 beats per minute. It can be caused by medical conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Tachycardia can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain and fatigue. Another type of arrhythmia is bradycardia, which is an abnormally slow heartbeat that may range from 60 to 100 beats per minute. It can be caused by medical conditions such as electrolyte imbalances and certain medications. Bradycardia can also cause shortness of breath, lightheadedness and fainting spells.

If you have any signs or symptoms of irregular heartbeats or palpitations you should see your doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment options. The sooner your doctor can diagnose your arrhythmia the better chance you have at finding the right treatment plan for you. Depending on your specific condition there are several treatments available including medications and lifestyle modifications like diet changes or exercise routines that may help regulate your heart rate. If necessary more invasive treatments like surgery may also be used in extreme cases where medication or lifestyle changes do not work well enough to manage the symptoms. 

Remember it's always important to keep a close eye on your heart health so if you experience any unusual palpitations don't wait too long to get checked out by your doctor - even if it turns out nothing is wrong it's always best to stay on top of your heart health!