Heart Arrhythmia Symptoms in Women

Heart arrhythmias, also called cardiac arrhythmias, are irregular palpitations of the heart and affect approximately 2.2 million people in the U.S. Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart, or can be an indicator of heart disease.

Symptoms

Heart arrhythmia symptoms in women may include a fluttering in your chest, a racing or slow heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting.

Symptomless

Heart arrhythmias often do not have any symptoms and are first noticed by a doctor.

Causes

Heart arrhythmias may be caused by hormones related to menstruation, exercises, strong emotions, certain medications, smoking, alcohol and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary heart disease. Also, some people are born with heart arrhythmias.

Misdiagnosis

Heart arrhythmias are often thought to be caused from panic, stress or anxiety, and doctors can overlook the possibility of heart disease.

Treatment

Treatment of heart arrhythmias varies depending on the type of arrhythmias, and age and health of the patient. Some methods include inserting a pace maker, medications, cardioversion and surgery.