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Heart Rhythm Disorders

Many types of heart rhythm disorders interfere with a healthy, regular heartbeat, raising your risk for serious problems like stroke and heart failure. Though an irregular heartbeat may feel frightening, today’s treatments can help get your heart back on track.

Woman checking pulse

Types of Diseases

  • Arrhythmias
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Heart Block

Heart Rhythm Disorders Facts and Stats

Your heart is a complex organ with its own electrical system. Here’s what you need to know.

  •  Your heart beats about 100,000 times a day in a regular rhythm, typically 60 to 100 times a minute. With a heart rhythm disorder, your heart beats irregularly, or too fast or too slowly.
  • An estimated 2.7 million to 6.1 million Americans experience atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder. Your risk increases with age; only about 2 percent of people under 65 have atrial fibrillation.
  • During an atrial flutter, the heart beats 240 to 400 times a minute.
  • People with atrial fibrillation have a four to five times higher risk of stroke than people with normal heartbeats. Experts estimate that atrial fibrillation causes 15 to 20 percent of all ischemic strokes.
  • With tachycardia, your heart beats too fast, more than 100 beats per minute. With bradycardia, your heart beats too slowly, fewer than 60 beats per minute. Without treatment, both problems may lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrest or heart failure.

Patient Information

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Interested in becoming a Sutter patient? Here’s what you need to know about health plans, choosing a doctor and how to get started today.

 
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Tips for Choosing a Doctor
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Find a Heart Specialist

Help for Your Heart

Doctor adjusting heart rate monitor

Treating Irregular Heartbeats

Today heart specialists provide devices, medications or surgical options to keep your heart’s rhythm steady.

Pacemaker

Living With a Heart Device

Learn how to adjust to life with a pacemaker or an implantable cardiac device.

Doctor listening to elderly woman's heartbeat

Electrophysiology for Arrhythmia

When something goes wrong with your heart’s electrical system, advanced electrophysiology can help.

Ask an Expert

Richard H. Hongo

Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC

Novato Community Hospital

I've had an eating disorder for 10 years. One of the main problems that seem to continue is heart palpitations, which I've had daily for three months. Tests (Holter, ECHO, EKG) show that I have palpitations, but no other problems. I also have chest pains

Palpitations are a very common problem and generally speaking, they are usually more of an annoyance than a danger. The time it does raise concern is when there is some underlying heart disease. The normal EKGs... continue reading  about  I've had an eating disorder for 10 years. One of the main problems that seem to continue is heart palpitations, which I've had daily for three months. Tests (Holter, ECHO, EKG) show that I have palpitations, but no other problems. I also have chest pains

Richard H. Hongo

Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC

Novato Community Hospital

Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?

In general, heart palpitations are not a serious problem as long as the heart is healthy. Being in good physical shape and staying active are good signs that the heart is indeed healthy. There are times, howeve... continue reading  about  Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?

Gary F. Milechman

Gary F. Milechman, M.D.

California Pacific Medical Center

I'm a 42 year old woman. I run three to four times a week. My blood pressure is around 115/74. But I have horrifying heart palpitations at night. I'm exhausted. I did a 24-hour Holter monitor and am waiting for an event monitor.

Feeling your heart beat at night can be very scary. It sounds like you are pretty fit and healthy. It would be very rare, indeed, for palpitations at night to turn out to be something dangerous or worrisome. Sy... continue reading  about  I'm a 42 year old woman. I run three to four times a week. My blood pressure is around 115/74. But I have horrifying heart palpitations at night. I'm exhausted. I did a 24-hour Holter monitor and am waiting for an event monitor.

Richard H. Hongo

Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC

Novato Community Hospital

What is sudden cardiac death and who is at most risk? Are there any signs or symptoms?

The most common cause of sudden cardiac death is ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Ventricular tachyarrhythmia is a very rapid and unstable rhythm that originates from the lower chambers of the heart, or the ventric... continue reading  about  What is sudden cardiac death and who is at most risk? Are there any signs or symptoms?

Richard H. Hongo

Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC

Novato Community Hospital

I have been having palpitations and skipped heartbeats for several months. My EKGs and blood work are normal. Is this all stress and anxiety?

Palpitations are frequently caused by anxiety. On the other hand, anxiety can be caused by palpitations. Sometimes it is difficult to determine what is causing what.Typically, if you have no history of heart di... continue reading  about  I have been having palpitations and skipped heartbeats for several months. My EKGs and blood work are normal. Is this all stress and anxiety?

Richard H. Hongo

Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC

Novato Community Hospital

I'm a woman (52) who's had heart palpitations for 20 years. Now they happen more often. I get 10 - 50/day where I feel my heart skip around. I've been to cardiologists and they find nothing wrong and say it's just PVCs and PACs. Should I worry?

In general, premature atrial complexes (PACs) and premature ventricular complexes(PVCs) are not harmful. This holds especially true if there is nothing else wrong with the heart. When someone presents with both... continue reading  about  I'm a woman (52) who's had heart palpitations for 20 years. Now they happen more often. I get 10 - 50/day where I feel my heart skip around. I've been to cardiologists and they find nothing wrong and say it's just PVCs and PACs. Should I worry?

Richard H. Hongo

Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC

Novato Community Hospital

I had a pacemaker inserted a year ago. It keeps dropping down and looks like the wires are about to pop out. I've asked my cardiologist about it several times and he said it's fine and should not drop anymore. I exercise 5x/week. Is that too much?

The position of the pacemaker can shift over time. After about a year, however, a strong capsule has formed around the device and it should not move any further. Because the device and the leads are very secure... continue reading  about  I had a pacemaker inserted a year ago. It keeps dropping down and looks like the wires are about to pop out. I've asked my cardiologist about it several times and he said it's fine and should not drop anymore. I exercise 5x/week. Is that too much?

Gary F. Milechman

Gary F. Milechman, M.D.

California Pacific Medical Center

Awhile ago my husband complained of a pounding heart. He said it felt like it was thumping against his chest. Tests showed that he was fine and it was probably caused by stress. How can we tell the difference between severe anxiety and a heart attack?

It is often very difficult to differentiate the symptoms of a heart attack from other causes. Even in the Emergency Department, with access to X-rays, EKG's, and fancy lab work, we sometimes cannot be 100 perce... continue reading  about  Awhile ago my husband complained of a pounding heart. He said it felt like it was thumping against his chest. Tests showed that he was fine and it was probably caused by stress. How can we tell the difference between severe anxiety and a heart attack?

Richard H. Hongo

Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC

Novato Community Hospital

How do I know if I'm having a heart palpitation? What do they feel like?

Palpitations can feel different to different people. Sometimes they are described as a skipping sensation of the heart. Sometimes an irregularity in the heart beat is likened to a bird fluttering around inside ... continue reading  about  How do I know if I'm having a heart palpitation? What do they feel like?

Cardiovascular Diseases Research

Sutter Health Cardiovascular Diseases Research
Cardiovascular disease affects blood vessels that lead to the heart, brain and kidneys. It can cause heart attack, stroke and many other problems. Cardiovascular disease is the top cause of death and disability in the U.S.

Sutter Health Cardiovascular Diseases Research Sutter Health Cardiovascular Diseases Research

Health and Wellness

Thumps, Flutters and Skipped Beats

Heart Palpitations

Find out what causes palpitations and when you should see a doctor.

Heart Palpitations

Experts Who Partner With You

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Heart and Vascular Services

The Sutter Health network provides comprehensive programs and specialists in atrial fibrillation and other heart disorders. Learn about today’s treatment options. 

Doctor Profiles

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site
Chad R. Brodt, M.D.

Chad R. Brodt, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Electrophysiology

Jonathan M. Wong, M.D.

Jonathan M. Wong, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Sung W. Choi, M.D.

Sung W. Choi, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Interventional Cardiology

Jonathan Salcedo, M.D.

Jonathan Salcedo, M.D.

  • Electrophysiology

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Frances F. Canet, M.D., FACC

Frances F. Canet, M.D., FACC

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Amir Schricker, M.D., M.S., FACC, FHRS

Amir Schricker, M.D., M.S., FACC, FHRS

  • Electrophysiology

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Daniel P. O'Neill, M.D.

Daniel P. O'Neill, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

George V. Dous, M.D., FACC

George V. Dous, M.D., FACC

  • Interventional Cardiology

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Shalini L. Bhambani, M.D.

Shalini L. Bhambani, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Nuclear Medicine

View All Related Doctors

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