Medically reviewed by Dr Pinakin V Parekh, General & Interventional Cardiologist (MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), GDFM (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Glasgow)). Last Updated: 2026, 28 August
Founder & Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
Dr Pinakin V Parekh is an interventional cardiologist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in heart care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heaart diseases, including procedures such as angiogram and angioplasty.
An arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. It occurs when there is a problem with the electrical signals that control your heartbeat.
A normal heart rhythm is steady and coordinated. With an arrhythmia, the heart may feel like it is racing, fluttering, skipping beats, or beating unevenly.
Not all arrhythmias are dangerous. Some are harmless and may only cause occasional symptoms, while others can affect blood flow, increase the risk of stroke, or lead to more serious heart problems if left untreated.
Symptoms of an irregular heartbeat can vary depending on the type of arrhythmia and how often it occurs. Some people experience clear symptoms, while others may not notice anything at all.
You may experience:
Symptoms may come and go, and can happen during rest, activity, or periods of stress.
In some cases, there are no noticeable symptoms, and the condition is only detected during a routine check-up, ECG, or heart monitoring test.
An irregular heartbeat can occur when the heart’s electrical system is disrupted. This may be caused by underlying heart conditions or other health and lifestyle factors.
Common causes include:
In many cases, more than one factor may contribute to the development of an arrhythmia.
Occasional palpitations are common and not always serious, but certain symptoms should not be ignored, especially if they are persistent or worsening.
You should seek medical attention if you experience:
It is also important to get checked if your symptoms are frequent, affecting daily activities, or occurring alongside known heart disease risk factors. Early assessment can help determine whether the irregular heartbeat is harmless or requires treatment.
There are several different types of arrhythmia, each affecting the heart rhythm in different ways.
AFib is one of the most common arrhythmias. It causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat irregularly and can increase the risk of stroke.
SVT is a fast heart rhythm that starts in the upper chambers of the heart. Episodes can begin and end suddenly.
Bradycardia refers to a heart rate that is slower than normal. In some people it causes no symptoms, while in others it may lead to dizziness, fatigue, or fainting.
Premature beats are extra heartbeats that occur before the next normal heartbeat. They are often felt as a skipped beat or a sudden thump in the chest.
Diagnosing an arrhythmia involves identifying the type of rhythm disturbance and understanding whether it is affecting your heart health.
An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart. It can help identify:
Some arrhythmias occur only occasionally and may not appear during a clinic visit.
A Holter monitor continuously records your heart rhythm over 24 hours, several days, or longer to detect intermittent abnormalities.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It helps assess:
Blood tests may be performed to look for underlying causes such as:
Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia, the severity of symptoms, and your overall heart health.
For some patients, lifestyle modifications can help reduce symptoms and prevent arrhythmia episodes.
These may include:
Medications may be prescribed to:
The type of medication depends on the specific arrhythmia diagnosed.
An electrophysiological study (EPS) is a specialised procedure used to assess the heart’s electrical system and identify the source of abnormal heart rhythms.
This procedure involves:
An EPS may be recommended when the cause of an arrhythmia is unclear or when planning treatments such as catheter ablation.
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain arrhythmias.
This procedure involves:
For suitable patients, catheter ablation can significantly reduce or eliminate arrhythmia episodes.
A pacemaker may be recommended for certain slow heart rhythms. The device helps:
For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, an ICD may be recommended.
An ICD continuously monitors the heart rhythm and can deliver treatment if a dangerous rhythm is detected.
A diagnosis of arrhythmia does not necessarily mean major restrictions to your lifestyle. Many patients continue to work, travel, exercise, and enjoy normal daily activities with appropriate treatment and follow-up care.
Long-term management may include:
The goal is to help you maintain a healthy heart rhythm and a good quality of life.
Patients often value Dr Pinakin’s approach because it focuses on:
Identifying the type of arrhythmia and looking for underlying factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or thyroid disorders.
Helping patients understand their heart rhythm findings, test results, and what the diagnosis means for their health.
Focusing on symptom control, preventing complications, and helping patients maintain a safe and stable heart rhythm over time.
Not all arrhythmias are dangerous. Some are harmless and only require monitoring, while others may need treatment to reduce symptoms or prevent complications. A proper evaluation can help determine the significance of your arrhythmia.
Many people with an arrhythmia live long, active lives. Life expectancy depends on the type of arrhythmia, its cause, and whether it is properly managed. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help reduce risks and improve long-term outcomes.
Some arrhythmias may occur occasionally and resolve on their own, while others can persist or recur over time. The likelihood depends on the type of arrhythmia and its underlying cause.
Many people with an arrhythmia can continue to exercise safely. However, the type and intensity of exercise should be guided by your doctor based on your condition and symptoms.
Not always. Some patients only require monitoring or short-term treatment, while others may benefit from medications, catheter ablation, or other long-term management strategies. Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia and your individual risk factors.
Dr Pinakin uses current, evidence-based methods to carefully evaluate and treat heart conditions, helping you feel confident in your care.
Every patient is treated as an individual, with attention to your full health and lifestyle, not just the heart problem.
From assessment to treatment, screenings and procedures are conveniently coordinated in one place for a smoother, more reassuring experience.
