Arrhythmia
Common ConditionIrregular heartbeat conditions where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern, affecting blood flow throughout the body.
Symptoms
Causes
Treatments
Seek emergency care if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or very rapid heartbeat with dizziness. See your doctor if you frequently feel your heart racing or skipping beats.
Find a Specialist NowAbout Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia: When Your Heart Loses Its Rhythm
The heart beats approximately 100,000 times per day with remarkable precision. This rhythm is controlled by electrical signals. When these signals don't work properly, the result is an arrhythmia—an irregular heartbeat.
Types of Arrhythmias
Tachycardia (fast heart rate, over 100 beats per minute):
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib): The most common arrhythmia
- Ventricular tachycardia: Can be dangerous
Bradycardia (slow heart rate, under 60 beats per minute):
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Heart block
Premature beats (extra beats):
- Usually harmless but can be uncomfortable
When Arrhythmias Are Dangerous
Not all arrhythmias are serious. However, some can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood, increase stroke risk, lead to heart failure, or cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Living with an Arrhythmia
Many arrhythmias can be effectively managed:
- Take prescribed medications consistently
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Don't smoke
- Manage stress
- Get adequate sleep
- Keep follow-up appointments
Treatment has advanced significantly—catheter ablation can cure many arrhythmias, and modern pacemakers are small and long-lasting.
"Ang regular na pagtibok ng puso ay tanda ng malusog na buhay." (A regular heartbeat is a sign of a healthy life.)
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