goodtoknow says: Sometimes the heart beats faster or slower than normal. This is nothing to worry about and you may not even realize it's happened. However, there are several types of abnormal heart rhythms or heartbeats (arrhythmias) which should be investigated. Main symptoms include palpitations, a fast, slow or irregular pulse, dizziness, breathlessness and chest pains. A painless, harmless EEG test will usually detect what's wrong and a range of treatment can be offered, such as medication to control the heart beat or other sophisticated surgical techniques, all of which are extremely effective.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of Arrhythmias from patient.co.uk, read on.

This leaflet gives an overview of the hearts conduction system. It briefly describes some common problems of the heartbeat and heart rhythm (arrhythmias). There are other more detailed leaflets on some of the conditions mentioned.

• Next: A normal heartbeat and conducting system

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