What happens if the heart is beating out of rhythm?

An irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, occurs when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Palpitations: A feeling of your heart racing or skipping beats

* Chest pain

* Shortness of breath

* Lightheadedness or dizziness

* Fainting

Arrhythmias can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

* Heart disease

* Diabetes

* High blood pressure

* Thyroid problems

* Smoking

* Alcohol use

* Drug use

* Stress

Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others can be serious and even life-threatening. If you experience any symptoms of an arrhythmia, it is important to see your doctor for evaluation.

There are a variety of treatments for arrhythmias, depending on the type of arrhythmia and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment options may include:

* Medications

* Surgery

* Lifestyle changes

If you are diagnosed with an arrhythmia, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for treatment to reduce your risk of complications.