Cardiac arrhythmia refers to an abnormality in the rhythm or rate of the heart. The normal heart rate should be regular and between 60-85 beats per minute in a state of rest.
 
The perception by the patient of an irregular heart beat, or an accelerated rate are commonly referred to as palpitations.
 
There are many conditions and disorders which can cause cardiac arrhythmias, either as a primary manifestation of a disease process, or as a secondary effect.
 
Causes include:
 

•	Coronary Artery Disease
•	Congestive Heart Failure
•	Pericarditis
•	Myocarditis
•	Congenital Heart Disease
•	Mitral Valve Prolapse
•	Scleroderma
•	Valvular Heart Disease (e.g. aortic stenosis)
•	Hyperthyroidism
•	Electrical Injury
•	Cold Injury
•	Myocardial Contusion
•	Drug Side Effects
•	Drug Toxicity (cocaine abuse)
•	Anxiety
•	Hyperventilation
•	Diabetes
•	Heart Attack
•	Pulmonary Embolism
•	Kidney Failure
•	Dehydration

Serious Cardiac Arrythmias:
Serious heart arrhythmias are often associated with cardiac symptoms. In cases of shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, nausea, faintness, or fainting associated with palpitations immediate emergency evaluation is required.
 
Patients with a previous history for serious arrhythmias or heart attack should seek immediate medical evaluation for palpitations, even in the absence of associated symptoms.
 
Hypothermia (low body temperature) patients can contract serious cardiac arrhythmias as a complication. A cardiac arrhythmia known as atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke, through the development of a blood clot within the heart that is released into the general circulation (embolization). This occurs more commonly in the patient who suffers from intermittent atrial fibrillation.
 
Benign Cardiac Arrythmias:
Many people experience palpitations at one time or another. These palpitations may be associated with stress, anxiety, fever, alcohol use, mitral valve prolapse, caffeine, nicotine, or decongestants (pseudo-ephedrine). Benign arrhythmias are not associated with the cardiac symptoms listed above. Avoidance of all stimulants can often result in complete resolution of symptoms.
 
Diagnosis:
Evaluation of cardiac arrhythmias will include an ECG and blood tests (blood chemistry, blood drug levels, and thyroid profile). An echocardiogram may be done to rule out the presence of valvular heart disease or mitral valve prolapse. A 24-hour cardiac monitor is worn by some patients to determine if a more serious arrhythmia exists that will require treatment.
 
Treatment:
Treatment ranges from avoidance of stimulants to placement on antiarrhythmic medications. The Cardiologist is the expert in the treatment and evaluation of this problem.