Signs and Symptoms

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Arrhythmias may not produce any symptoms. In fact, your doctor might detect them before you do during a routine exam. But often, abnormal heart rhythms cause noticeable signs and symptoms, which may include:

• Fluttering in your chest
• Racing heartbeat
• Slow heartbeat
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or throat tightness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Fainting or near fainting (syncope)

If you frequently experience these symptoms or have any concerns about your heart rhythm — especially if you have known heart problems — check with your doctor.

A serious heart rhythm problem can stop the heart from pumping blood. This life-threatening condition is known as cardiac arrest. (Note: Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, which is when a blockage prevents flood flow through a part of the heart.)