Arrhythmia and Abnormal Heart Rhythms in Reading

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. The heart may beat too quickly, too slowly or in an irregular pattern. Some people notice symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or breathlessness, while an abnormal rhythm can sometimes be identified during an ECG or other cardiac investigation. If you are concerned about an abnormal heart rhythm in Reading or Berkshire, a cardiology assessment can help establish the nature and cause of the problem.

What is an arrhythmia?

The heart has an electrical system that controls the rhythm of each heartbeat. An arrhythmia occurs when this rhythm becomes abnormal. There are different types of arrhythmia, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

What are the symptoms of an arrhythmia?

Symptoms can vary considerably. You may experience:

  • A racing heartbeat
  • An irregular heartbeat
  • Palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling faint
  • Breathlessness
  • Chest discomfort

Some people may have few noticeable symptoms, which is one reason cardiac monitoring and other investigations can be useful.

What causes an abnormal heart rhythm?

There are different types and causes of arrhythmia. Understanding exactly which rhythm abnormality is occurring is important because management depends on the underlying cause and the individual's circumstances. A cardiologist can assess your symptoms and arrange appropriate investigations.

How is an arrhythmia diagnosed?

An ECG is an important investigation when an abnormal heart rhythm is suspected. However, some arrhythmias are intermittent and may not occur while a standard ECG is being performed. In these circumstances, longer-term cardiac monitoring may be required. An echocardiogram and blood tests may also be appropriate depending on the individual.

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are examples of abnormal heart rhythms. Some people with these conditions experience palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness or reduced exercise tolerance, while others may have few or no symptoms. If an abnormal rhythm is identified, the appropriate management can be discussed with your cardiologist.

Supraventricular tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, is an example of an abnormally fast heart rhythm.

It can cause episodes of a rapid heartbeat and may be associated with palpitations, breathlessness, chest discomfort or dizziness.

Arrhythmia assessment in Reading

If you have been told that you have an abnormal heart rhythm, or you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate an arrhythmia, a cardiology assessment in Reading can help establish the precise rhythm and whether further investigation or treatment is required.

Frequently asked questions

What is an arrhythmia? An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm where the heart beats too quickly, too slowly or irregularly.

Can an arrhythmia cause dizziness? Yes. Some abnormal rhythms can cause dizziness or a feeling of faintness.

Can an arrhythmia cause breathlessness? Some arrhythmias can cause breathlessness, particularly during episodes of an abnormal or rapid heart rate.

How is an arrhythmia detected? An ECG can detect some arrhythmias. If symptoms are intermittent, longer-term cardiac monitoring may be required.

Does every arrhythmia need treatment? Management depends on the particular rhythm, the underlying cause and the symptoms being experienced.