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Change in Heartbeat - 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.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

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 60 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?


	Yes

Did you faint, but now you are awake and feel fine?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Did you feel lightheaded?


	Yes

Did you have palpitations?


	Yes

Do you have a known heart problem?


	Yes

Do you feel lightheaded, and your heart rate is faster than 100 beats per minute after 5 minutes of rest?


	Yes

Do you feel lightheaded, and your heart rate is slower than 60 beats per minute?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Is your heart beating faster than 100 beats per minute without an obvious cause?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Is your heart beating slower than 60 beats per minute without other symptoms?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have episodes of a fast heart rate with shortness of breath during physical activities?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Is your irregular heart rhythm new and you have a known heart problem?


	Yes

Do you have an irregular heart rhythm without other symptoms?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you think the change in your heart rate or rhythm may be caused by a medicine?Note: If you answered "Yes":Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking the medicine. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

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

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 24, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.