Here are signs you must see a doctor: If strange heartbeats are accompanied by other symptoms of heart trouble, including fainting or near-fainting, breathlessness, or chest pain. Or if your arrhythmia lasts longer than 30 seconds. Also if you're a heart attack survivor or if you have heart failure, any change in rhythm is cause to seek medical help.
Read on for possible symptoms of a common type of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (a racing, irregular heartbeat). For symptoms of another type of arrhythmia, bradycardia (a slower than normal heartbeat), visit our A-Z Health Library.
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
Mild symptoms may develop immediately. More serious problems may develop after the start of atrial fibrillation and over the course of several days. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat atrial fibrillation as soon as possible to avoid serious problems.
Serious complications such as a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure may occur before atrial fibrillation is discovered.
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular pulse
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or emotional stress
- Weakness, fatigue
- Dizziness, confusion
- Lightheadedness or fainting (syncope)
- Chest pain (angina)
Mild symptoms may develop immediately. More serious problems may develop after the start of atrial fibrillation and over the course of several days. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat atrial fibrillation as soon as possible to avoid serious problems.
Serious complications such as a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure may occur before atrial fibrillation is discovered.
Last Updated: January 18, 2007 
