Arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmias are disorders of the heart’s electrical system. The heart may beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. This can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood. There are many types of arrhythmia and most are not serious, but it is advisable to see a doctor who will assess severity and investigate the cause and may refer you for tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Some people have an inherited condition in which the heart is structurally normal but they have a tendency to develop cardiac arrhythmia. Often there are no symptoms, but people may have palpitations, dizziness and fainting. In rare cases, inherited arrhythmias can cause sudden death.  

They include:

Long QT Syndrome
Brugada Syndrome
Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome

More information on arrhythmias is available from the Arrhythmia Alliance or SADS (Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome.