Arrhythmia - Irregular Heart Rhythms
The heart is powered by an electrical system that puts out pulses in a regular rhythm. These pulses keep the heart pumping and blood flowing to the lungs and body. The usual resting heart rate for adults is between 50 to 100 beats per minute.
When the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with a skipping (irregular) rhythm, a person is said to have an arrhythmia. A change in the heart's rhythm may feel like an extra-strong heartbeat (palpitation) or a fluttering in your chest. A heartbeat that is occasionally irregular usually is not a concern if it does not cause other symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath.
Irregular heartbeats change the amount of blood that flows to the lungs and other parts of the body. When the heart beats too slowly, not enough blood is pumped to the rest of the body. When the heart beats too quickly, it cannot fill completely with blood, causing the body to not receive the blood volume it needs to function properly.
Types of Arrhythmia