Arrhythmia

2 April 2025

An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, or other cardiovascular complications. Early diagnosis and effective management are key to maintaining heart health.

Symptoms of Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common signs include:

Heart palpitations – A fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest
Dizziness or lightheadedness – Sudden feeling of faintness
Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity
Fatigue or weakness – Feeling tired despite rest
Chest pain or discomfort – Tightness or pressure in the chest
Fainting (syncope) – In some cases, arrhythmias can lead to temporary loss of consciousness

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.

Types of Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are classified based on how they affect heart rhythm:

Tachycardia – A fast heartbeat (above 100 beats per minute)
Bradycardia – A slow heartbeat (below 60 beats per minute)
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – An irregular, often rapid heart rate increasing stroke risk
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) – Rapid heartbeats that begin above the ventricles
Ventricular Fibrillation – A life-threatening arrhythmia that requires emergency care

Understanding the type of arrhythmia is crucial for selecting the best treatment approach.

Diagnosing Arrhythmia

Our hospital is equipped with advanced cardiac testing to provide fast and accurate arrhythmia diagnosis, including:

Electrocardiogram (ECG) – A quick, non-invasive test to record heart rhythm
Holter Monitoring – A portable ECG device worn for 24–48 hours to detect irregularities
Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to assess heart structure and function
Stress Testing – Monitors heart activity during exercise
Electrophysiology Studies (EPS) – A detailed test to evaluate electrical activity in the heart

With same-day and next-day appointments available, we prioritise rapid assessment and diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Arrhythmia

The right treatment depends on the type and severity of your arrhythmia. Our cardiologists provide tailored treatment plans, which may include:

Lifestyle modifications – Diet, exercise, and stress management to support heart health
Medication management – To control heart rate, rhythm, and prevent complications
Cardioversion – A procedure to reset the heart’s rhythm using controlled electrical pulses
Ablation therapy – A minimally invasive procedure to correct abnormal electrical signals
Pacemakers & Implantable Devices – For patients with severe bradycardia or heart failure

Our goal is to help you manage your condition effectively while reducing the risk of complications.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

If you are experiencing symptoms of arrhythmia or other heart concerns, our private GP service provides expert assessment and referrals to our cardiology specialists.

Same-day & next-day appointments available
No need to be registered with the hospital
30-minute private GP consultation: £100
Insurance billing available
Referrals for further cardiac tests & specialist consultations

Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing arrhythmias and preventing further complications.

Our Resident Private GP’s

Our Private GP’s welcoming and highly experienced. They offer patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.