A heartbeat that is too fast, too slow, or irregular may cause palpitations, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Loss of consciousness
- Palpitations with chest pain
- Severe shortness of breath
- A very rapid pulse that does not settle
What is it?
Identifying the type of arrhythmia can sometimes be difficult because episodes may be brief and intermittent. Holter and longer-term monitoring therefore play an important role.
Symptoms
- Palpitations
- Sensation of skipped beats
- Dizziness
- Near-fainting
- Chest discomfort
- Easy fatigability
Causes & risk factors
- Age
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Hypertension
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Electrolyte abnormalities
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, and investigation results are assessed together.
- ECG
- Holter monitoring
- Echocardiography
- Blood tests
- Electrophysiology study
- Implantable monitor in selected cases
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, coexisting diseases, and procedural risk.
- Observation
- Medication
- Cardioversion
- Catheter ablation
- Pacemaker or defibrillator in selected cases
How we help
At the center, heart rhythm disorders are assessed by an arrhythmia specialist. The aim is to identify the rhythm type, rule out structural heart disease, and estimate the risks of stroke and sudden dangerous arrhythmias.
When a procedure may be needed
An electrophysiology study, ablation, or device therapy may be needed for symptomatic arrhythmia not controlled by medication, fainting, severe bradycardia, or a high-risk tachyarrhythmia.
Patient checklist
- Record the time and duration of pulse episodes
- Bring smartwatch or ECG recordings
- Report your use of caffeine and energy drinks
- Take loss of consciousness seriously
FAQ
Are palpitations always dangerous?
No, but they should be assessed if they recur or are accompanied by loss of consciousness or chest pain.
Can ablation replace medication?
For some arrhythmias, ablation may be appropriate for long-term control, but the decision depends on the rhythm type.
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