Irregular pulse

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• A rapid heart rate prior to fainting with loss of consciousness

• Peripheral cyanosis

• Altered mental status (delirium)

• Difficulty breathing / breathlessness

• Fainting with loss of consciousness

• Benign arrhythmias such as extrasystoles

  Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat, where it might beat too slowly, too fast or with an irregular pattern. Benign arrhythmias are heartbeat irregularities which do not cause any symptoms. Causes include certain medications, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, inhaled aerosols, diet pills, stress, etc.

• Atrial fibrillation (AF)

  Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate, that can lead to blood clots in the heart. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Atrial fibrillation can be caused by many conditions, most commonly heart valve diseases and heart failure.

• Amyloidosis

  A disease where "amyloid", a type of protein, is deposited in various organs and damages them. The affected areas include the heart, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. The causes are diverse.

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension
• Tuberous sclerosis

• QT prolongation syndrome

• Adult T-cell leukaemia
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

• Atrioventricular block . sick sinus syndrome

  These describe a group of conditions wherein there is a problem in the electrical conduction system of the heart. Depending on the condition, signals may be transmitted abnormally fast, slow or not be transmitted at all to some areas of the heart. Men and women are both affected. The risk of increase with age.