Can Heart Failure Cause an Irregular Heartbeat?

Rose watched her husband struggle with tiredness and shortness of breath for months. One scary night, his heart began racing out of control, fluttering like a trapped bird in his chest. “Could his weakening heart be causing this?” she wondered in tears.

Heart failure often sparks irregular heartbeats. As cardiologists at Mayo Clinic explain, “Irregular heart rhythms may cause the heart to beat too fast, creating extra work… A slow heartbeat also may lead to heart failure.” Weakened heart chambers stretch and mess up electrical signals, raising arrhythmia risk by 30-50%. High blood pressure or past heart damage makes it worse, turning steady beats chaotic.

What is a Heart Arrhythmia?

A heart arrhythmia (uh-RITH-me-uh) is an irregular heartbeat. A heart arrhythmia occurs when the electrical signals that tell the heart to beat don’t work properly. The heart may beat too fast or too slow.

What are the Symptoms of a Heart Arrhythmia?

A heart arrhythmia may not cause any symptoms. The irregular heartbeat may be noticed during a health checkup for another reason.

Symptoms of an arrhythmia may include:

A fluttering, pounding or racing feeling in the chest.
A fast heartbeat.
A slow heartbeat.
Chest pain.
Shortness of breath.

Other symptoms may include:

Anxiety.
Feeling very tired.
Lightheadedness or dizziness.
Sweating.
Fainting or almost fainting.

Next Steps

Start with short, gentle walks while breathing deeply and praying mindfully to calm the heart. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). These daily habits ease strain and bring steady rhythm back. Seek medical help once you notice these symptoms. Take our free Eyole heart test today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you live a long life with an irregular heartbeat?

Yes, many are harmless if managed early; lifestyle helps.

Which are two signs of worsening heart failure?

Shortness of breath, swollen legs.

What are the symptoms of an irregular heart beat?

Chest fluttering, racing pulse, dizziness, fainting.

Does an irregular heartbeat damage your heart?

Yes, fast, irregular heartbeats like tachycardia weaken it over time.

What is the number one symptom of heart failure?

The number one symptom of heart failure is feeling out of breath.

Mrs Martha Larry-Effande

Njie Martha Eyole is the visionary behind Eyole Heart Nurture, a platform dedicated to fostering spiritual and emotional wellness through the transformative power of faith. A professional communicator, accomplished writer, and trained teacher, Martha brings a wealth of expertise to her mission. Her unwavering faith serves as the bedrock of both her personal life and her groundbreaking work, where she draws from Scripture to guide others toward a heart renewed by God’s love. Married to Larry Effande, a committed Christian journalist with the state media, Martha and her husband share a vibrant, faith-filled family life. At Eyole Heart Nurture, Martha offers invaluable resources, including the free heart test, designed to help individuals overcome life’s challenges. Fluent in English and French, she effortlessly connects with diverse audiences, making her mission universally accessible. To learn more about her inspiring journey, connect with her on LinkedIn or email info@eyoleheartnurture.com.