A heartbeat that is too fast or too slow may be accompanied by weakness, 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
- Chest pain
- A persistently very rapid heart rate at rest
- Weakness with a very slow heart rate
- A drop in blood pressure
What is it?
The context matters more than the number itself: when does the heart rate change, does it cause symptoms, is the heart structurally normal, and is there a risk of a dangerous arrhythmia?
Symptoms
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Near-fainting
- Exercise intolerance
Causes & risk factors
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Medication effects
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Heart block
- Athletic bradycardia
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
- Blood tests
- Echocardiography
- Electrophysiology study in selected cases
- Medication review
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, coexisting diseases, and procedural risk.
- Cause-directed treatment
- Medication adjustment
- Ablation for tachycardia in selected cases
- Pacemaker for bradycardia in selected cases
- Intensive care monitoring in emergencies
How we help
At the center, the rhythm type during tachycardia and bradycardia episodes is identified. The main aim is to distinguish a dangerous arrhythmia from ordinary physiological changes in heart rate.
When a procedure may be needed
A procedure may be required for symptomatic bradycardia, conduction block, tachycardia not controlled by medication, or high-risk rhythm findings.
Patient checklist
- Record episodes of heart-rate changes
- Bring a list of the medications you take
- Be sure to report any loss of consciousness
- Report your use of caffeine and energy drinks
FAQ
Is a slow heart rate always bad?
No. It may be normal in athletes. Symptoms and ECG findings are important.
Can tachycardia be caused by a panic attack?
It can, but a heart rhythm disorder should be ruled out first.
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