Change in Heartbeat

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Unconsciousness. See Rescue Breathing and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in the topic Dealing With Emergencies.
• Chest discomfort or pain that is crushing or squeezing or feels like a heavy weight on the chest
• Chest discomfort or pain that occurs with:
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Discomfort or pain that spreads from the chest to the neck, jaw, or one or both shoulders or arms
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fast heart rate or irregular heart rhythm
• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing
• Shock
• Sudden heart rate or rhythm change with nausea, lightheadedness, fainting, or severe fatigue

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain.

Yes	Did you have a change in your heartbeat and you fainted, but now you are awake and feel fine?
Yes	Did you have a change in your heartbeat and you felt lightheaded?
Yes	Do you have a fast heart rate (more than 100 beats per minute)?
Yes	Do you have a slow heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute)?
Yes	Do you have episodes of a fast heart rate or irregular heart rhythm and shortness of breath during physical activities?
Yes	Do you have an irregular heart rhythm, but the rate is between 50 and 100 beats per minute?
Yes	Do you think the change in your heart rate or rhythm may be caused by a medicine?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Fever: Go to the topic Fever, Age 4 and Older.
• Feeling anxious: Go to the topic Anxiety.
• Anger: Go to the topic Anger, Hostility, and Violent Behavior.
• Dizziness: Go to the topic Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo.
• Feeling weak or tired: Go to the topic Weakness and Fatigue.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 27, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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