We expect our heart rate to increase during strenuous exercise or while stressed, but we consider a resting heart rhythm steady if it’s beating between 60-100 beats per minute and at regular intervals. However, some people can fall outside this range and still be perfectly healthy. 

Arrhythmias are common and affect around two million people in the UK every year, affecting people of all ages and fitness levels. However, certain types are more common in some groups (such as people with specific pre-existing health conditions, smokers, and people over 65).

Each person experiences their condition differently, and it can impact you in many ways. Read more about that here: What’s the impact of an arrhythmia diagnosis? We discuss how it may affect your driving, life at work, holidays and mental health.

Our Consultant Cardiologist and Heart Rhythm specialist, Dr Syed Ahsan, is an expert in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders. Book an appointment to discuss your symptoms and arrange diagnostic tests.

It may feel like you have a racing heart, or your heart is beating far more slowly. You might experience your heart ‘skipping beats’ or having extra or more powerful beats (palpitations). In that sense, you may feel an abnormal heart rhythm, though it can be difficult to tell. 

Some people experience no symptoms. For these people, we might detect it during routine testing or when we perform tests for other reasons. 

Read our blog to learn more: How can you tell if you have a heart rhythm disorder? 

When to seek help

Speak to your GP if you often experience the above or have a history of heart problems. There are other possible causes, which is why it can help to talk to a specialist.  

If you suddenly experience arrhythmia symptoms, such as chest pain or fainting, seek immediate medical attention. You can call 111 if you aren’t sure whether you need urgent care. They may recommend booking an appointment with your GP or visiting the hospital/ calling 999. 

There are many types of heart rhythm disorders. Generally, we group them by conditions that cause fast or slow heartbeats. Another type is a premature heartbeat or extra beats, such as ventricular ectopics. 

Fast heart rhythms are commonly caused by atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, or supraventricular tachycardia. Slow heart rhythms include sinus bradycardia and conduction block.  

If you have sick sinus syndrome, you may experience a beat that alternates from too fast to too slow. This is known as tachy-brady syndrome.

Are arrhythmias dangerous?

Some are not dangerous, although they may still be alarming and impact your quality of life. Others can be serious if untreated and unmanaged. A key example is AF, which is particularly common in people over 65. We characterise this with an irregular heartbeat that is often faster than usual. It can cause blood to pool in the heart’s upper chambers, which may result in clots. AF is a leading risk factor for strokes – but it can be easily diagnosed and managed with the correct lifestyle advice and treatment. Blood thinners can help prevent strokes from AF and other heart rhythm disorders. 

Other complications of abnormal heart rhythms include sudden death arrhythmia syndrome (SADS), heart failure, and a heart attack. Over time, it can also increase your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. We understand this is scary, but we can reduce your risk of these complications greatly by diagnosing your condition early and managing it effectively. 

Some of the symptoms of this condition, such as the risk of fainting, can affect your ability to drive. You must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if it affects your driving. Dr Ahsan can provide advice on whether it is safe for you to drive. Contact us to discuss this further.

Your treatment plan will depend on which type of heart rhythm disorder you have, how severe your symptoms are, and the underlying cause. We will recommend lifestyle changes alongside treatment to prevent further episodes. For example, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress. There are some movements you can try called vagal manoeuvres, which affect the vagus nerve and help your body relax. Read more about this here: Lifestyle changes to help manage arrhythmia.

Treatments include medications, such as anti-arrhythmic drugs, cardioversion, catheter ablation, and inserting a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). You may need coronary bypass surgery if severe coronary artery disease affects your heart rhythm. 

Living with an abnormal heart rhythm

While it can be a lot to deal with, you can live normally if you follow your treatment plan. If your treatment plan is not working, our specialists will adapt it as necessary. To ensure you feel supported and less challenged by your condition, choose a doctor who communicates with you and understands what it means for you. You also may benefit from joining a support group.