About this condition
Arrhythmias are disorders of heart rhythm. They differ in cause, risk and need for treatment. Feeling a skipped or irregular beat does not always mean a dangerous condition, but repeated episodes deserve medical assessment.
Different types of heart rhythm problems
The heart may beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. Some episodes are brief and have little clinical significance; others require targeted treatment. Sensations alone cannot reliably distinguish between types.
Why describing an episode helps
Note whether palpitations begin suddenly, how long they last and whether you also experience weakness, chest pain, fainting or breathlessness. Pulse readings or records from a wearable may help your clinician but cannot replace a medical diagnosis.
Other causes of palpitations
Stress, caffeine, anaemia, thyroid problems and other conditions can cause a racing heart. Discuss recurring symptoms with a cardiologist even if they have stopped by the time of your appointment.
Signs and symptoms
People may notice a racing or irregular heartbeat, skipped beats, dizziness, weakness or shortness of breath. Some rhythm disturbances cause no symptoms and are found during testing.
Fainting, chest pressure or severe breathlessness with palpitations require urgent attention.
Diagnosis and tests
A clinician reviews the history, pulse and risk factors. An ECG, ambulatory ECG monitoring or other investigations may help identify the rhythm disturbance.
A standard ECG records rhythm only at that moment. If episodes are brief or infrequent, longer monitoring may be considered.
Care and treatment approaches
Treatment depends on the type and cause of the arrhythmia, other conditions and the risk of complications. Taking antiarrhythmic medicines without a prescription can be dangerous.
Do not stop existing treatment or start new medication without advice from your clinician.
When to seek urgent care
Fainting, severe chest pain or marked breathlessness during palpitations require emergency medical care. Call 103 in Ukraine.
Frequently asked questions
Do skipped beats always mean an arrhythmia?
No. Palpitations have different possible causes. A medical assessment is needed to identify the underlying rhythm.
Why might longer ECG monitoring be needed?
A brief ECG may miss occasional episodes. Your clinician can decide whether a longer recording would be useful.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
