The term "arrhythmia" refers to any change from the normal sequence of electrical impulses. The electrical impulses may happen too fast, too slowly, or erratically – causing the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or erratically.

When the heart doesn’t beat properly, it can’t pump blood effectively. When the heart doesn’t pump blood effectively, the lungs, brain and all other organs can’t work properly and may shut down or be damaged.

Bradycardia = too slow
Tachycardia = too fast
Fibrillation = quivering
Premature contraction = early beat

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 01/07/09.