About 4 million Americans suffer from arrhythmia, including many younger people. Arrhythmias are extremely common, especially as you get older. Most cases are harmless, but there are some cases that are dangerous and require treatment and management. Arrhythmias are also more serious if you have other heart problems, or have had prior heart attacks.

Many people have experienced rapid heartbeats, “skipped beats”, or “fluttering” in their chest. These changes can be brought on by exercise, emotion, stress, and caffeine among other things, and are usually not a cause for alarm. Arrhythmias that occur frequently or cause severe symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, passing out, or shortness of breath should be discussed with a doctor.

For more information about arrhythmia -- including a library of printable FAQ documents on causes, testing, treatment options, and living with an ICD -- visit http://englewoodhospital.com/ms_cardiology_ac.asp.