What are the symptoms of arrythmia other than heart palpitations?

Question

I was having palpitations and I would feel that when I laid down to sleep etc. and the doctor told me I was having arrythmia. I think she is wrong. What do you think? If I were having a heart disease, I belive that there would be other symptoms.

Answer 1

First, heart disease and arrhythmia are two different things! You can a have an arrhythmia without having heart disease. Most arrhythmias are nothing to worry about!

Often palpitations, a pounding or fluttering feeling in chest, are the only sign of an arrhythmia. Other symptoms, if present, depend on the type of arrhythmia and I have listed them for you.

For a slow heart rate:
fatigue
lightheadedness
dizziness
fainting

For a fast heart rate:
elevated pulse rate
weakness
lightheadedness
dizziness
fainting
difficulty breathing, may occur
chest pain, may occur
Of course, if you have difficulty breathing or chest pain, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Since most arrhythmias do not interfere with normal life, no treatment is required. Usually the palpitations are transient..that is, they come and go. They can be brought on by:
alcohol
smoking
stress
caffeine
some medications

Please don't worry if your doctor is not concerned. An arrhythmia does not necessarily mean heart disease!