Sinus Arrhythmia: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of sinus arrhythmia?

Sinus arrhythmia is a normal variation in heart rate when your heart rate cycles with your breathing. In this type of arrhythmia, your heart rate speeds up when you breathe in and slows down when you breathe out. If you have sinus arrhythmia and you know how to take your pulse, you may notice a slight change in pulse rate as you breathe in and out. Otherwise, there are generally are no symptoms of sinus arrhythmia. Most people are unaware of the condition unless a healthcare provider has pointed it out after performing a medical evaluation and an EKG.

Symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition

Sinus arrhythmiais a normal condition that is distinct from potentially serious or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and heart block. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following symptoms:

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as lethargy, fainting, unresponsiveness, or unusual drowsiness

• Change in mental status, such as confusion or disorientation

• Chest pain or chest pressure, which may radiate from the chest to the shoulder, arm or neck

• Difficulty breathing, unusually rapid breathing, or shortness of breath

• Dizziness that does not go away

• Palpitations