An arrhythmia can be silent, meaning you don’t notice any symptoms. Your doctor may spot an uneven heartbeat during a physical exam.
If you have symptoms, they may include:
• Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heartbeats, fluttering, or “flip-flops”);
• Pounding in your chest;
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded;
• Fainting;
• Shortness of breath;
• Chest pain or tightness;
• Weakness or fatigue (feeling very tired);
• Anxiety;
• Blurry vision;
• Sweating.
Arrhythmia might not cause noticeable symptoms. However, a doctor may detect an arrhythmia during a routine examination or after requesting an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Even if an individual notices symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that they have a severe arrhythmia.
Some people with life-threatening arrhythmias may have no symptoms, while others with symptoms may have a light arrhythmia.
Symptoms depend on the type of arrhythmia, as follows:
1. Symptoms of tachycardia
Symptoms of a rapid heartbeat include:
• breathlessness;
• dizziness;
• fainting or nearly fainting;
• fluttering in the chest;
• chest pain;
• lightheadedness;
• sudden weakness.
2. Symptoms of bradycardia
Bradycardia can cause the following symptoms:
• angina, or chest pain;
• trouble concentrating;
• confusion;
• finding exercise more difficult than usual;
• dizziness;
• tiredness;
• lightheadedness;
• palpitations;
• shortness of breath;
• fainting or nearly fainting;
• profuse sweating.
3. Symptoms of A-fib
When A-fib symptoms occur, they often have a rapid onset and may involve:
• angina;
• breathlessness;
• dizziness;
• palpitations;
• fainting or nearly fainting;
• weakness.
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