I'm a medical professional with a background in cardiology. When it comes to irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, the seriousness can vary widely depending on the type, underlying cause, and the individual's overall health. Some arrhythmias are benign and may not require any treatment, while others can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. For example, atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots and stroke if not managed properly. Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are considered serious because they can degenerate into sudden cardiac arrest. Factors that can influence the seriousness include the person's age, the presence of heart disease, how the arrhythmia affects the individual's quality of life, and whether it's causing other medical problems like fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain. It's important for anyone experiencing an irregular heartbeat to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Diagnostic tests like an EKG or Holter monitor may be used to assess the heart's rhythm. read more >>

Almost everyone has felt their heart beat very fast, felt a "fluttering" in their chest or thought that their heart was "skipping a beat." These can be signs of arrhythmia, or abnormal or irregular heartbeat. ... Most cases are harmless, but some arrhythmias are extremely dangerous and require treatment and management.read more >>