Heart Rhythm: What It Is and How to Keep It Steady

Your heart’s rhythm is the beat pattern that pumps blood throughout your body. When the rhythm is regular, you probably won’t feel anything odd. The moment it skips, races, or feels fluttery, you might notice a flutter in your chest, light‑headedness, or even shortness of breath. Those sensations are clues that something in the electrical system is off‑track.

Understanding the basics helps you act fast. The heart’s electrical circuit starts at the SA node, sends a signal down the atria, pauses at the AV node, then travels through the ventricles. Anything that interrupts this flow can cause an arrhythmia—medical talk for an irregular heartbeat. Most arrhythmias aren’t life‑threatening, but a few need prompt attention.

Common Types of Arrhythmias

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. The upper chambers quiver instead of contracting, which can cause a fast, irregular pulse. AFib increases the risk of blood clots and stroke, so doctors often prescribe blood thinners if the condition lasts longer than a few weeks.

Bradycardia means the heart beats too slowly—usually under 60 beats per minute. It can be harmless in athletes but may cause fatigue or dizziness in others. A pacemaker is the go‑to fix when the slow rhythm leads to symptoms.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) bursts the heart into a rapid rhythm, sometimes over 200 beats per minute. Many people feel a sudden “flip‑flop” in their chest and can stop the episode with a vagal maneuver—like holding your breath and bearing down.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is more serious because it originates in the lower chambers. If it lasts more than a few seconds, it can drop blood pressure fast. An implantable cardioverter‑defibrillator (ICD) may be needed to shock the heart back to normal.

Monitoring and When to Seek Help

The easiest way to check your rhythm is a pulse at the wrist or neck. A regular “lub‑dub” feeling with even spacing is a good sign. If you feel a thump, pause, or “skipping” sensation, grab a timer and count the beats for 30 seconds; double the number for your heart rate.

Electrocardiograms (ECGs) give doctors a detailed map. Most clinics can do a quick 10‑second ECG, while wearable devices now offer continuous rhythm tracking. If a device flags “irregular,” schedule a follow‑up—especially if you’ve had fainting spells, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

When you should call a doctor: sustained rapid beating over 100 bpm, a new irregular pulse that doesn’t resolve within a few minutes, fainting without an obvious reason, or any chest discomfort paired with weird rhythms. These signs can point to conditions that need medication, a procedure, or lifestyle tweaks.

Lifestyle choices also play a big role. Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine reduces the chance of triggering SVT. Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle, but if you have a diagnosed arrhythmia, ask your doctor before starting a high‑intensity program. Staying hydrated and managing stress—through breathing exercises or short walks—keeps the nervous system from sending mixed signals to the heart.

In short, a steady heart rhythm is a sign that your electrical system is doing its job. By learning the basics, watching for warning signs, and using simple monitoring tools, you can catch problems early and work with your doctor on the right treatment plan. Keep an eye on your pulse, stay active, and don’t ignore odd beats—your heart will thank you.