eating heart-healthy foods
avoiding caffeine
exercising regularly while avoiding high intensity activities
avoiding stressful situations
quitting smoking, if you smoke

If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), avoid participating in contact sports that could dislodge it.

Check with a doctor before taking over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, nutritional supplements, or other medications.

Medications and procedures, like cardioversion, can help you manage your arrhythmia and prevent complications. Talk with a doctor about the best treatment options for your particular type of arrhythmia.

Frequently asked questions

When should I be worried about an irregular heartbeat?

If your irregular heartbeat is only temporary, be aware of what may have triggered it, such as anxiety, caffeine, or smoking. Try to avoid these triggers to help prevent heart palpitations.

Should your irregular heartbeat persist, or if it recurs after you’ve avoided any known triggers, see a doctor to determine the cause.

You should also see a doctor if you have an irregular heartbeat along with a condition, such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, or high blood pressure.

What is the best treatment for an irregular heartbeat?

The best treatment for an irregular heartbeat depends on factors, including the type and severity of arrhythmia and other health conditions you may have.

Typical treatment options for arrhythmia include:

making healthy lifestyle changes
taking medications, including beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers
undergoing procedures, such as cardioversion, which resets your heart’s rhythm using electrical shocks, or catheter ablation, which blocks your heart’s abnormal electrical signals
receiving an implantable device, such as a pacemaker or ICD, that controls your heart rate

What are fatal arrhythmia symptoms?

If you have an arrhythmia diagnosis, get immediate medical treatment if you experience any of these potentially life threatening symptoms:

Takeaway

Complications of arrhythmia, such as stroke and cardiac arrest, can be life threatening. It’s important to manage your arrhythmia with treatments that may include healthy lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures to help prevent complications from developing.

A doctor can help determine the most effective treatment plan for your type of arrhythmia.

If you have arrhythmia and are experiencing symptoms, such as chest pain or fainting, get immediate medical help.

How we reviewed this article:

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Jul 19, 2024

Written By

Laura Goldman

Edited By

A. L. Heywood

Medically Reviewed By

Abby Sikorcin, MPAS, PA-C

Copy Edited By

Tabitha Thompson

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