Heart Disease and Abnormal Heart Rhythm (Arrhythmia) An
irregular heartbeat is called an arrhythmia, which is not the
same as an irregular heart rate. In fact, the two don't
necessarily occur together. A normal heart rate is 50 to 100
beats per minute. Arrhythmias can occur with a normal heart
rate, or with heart rates that are slow or rapid. In the United
States, more than 850,000 people are hospitalized for an
arrhythmia each year. What Causes an Arrhythmia? Arrhythmias may
be caused by many different factors, including: Irregular heart
rhythms can also occur in otherwise normal, healthy hearts. What
Are the Types of Arrhythmias? The types of arrhythmias include:
Premature atrial contractions. These are early extra beats that
originate in the atria (upper chambers of the heart). They are
harmless and generally do not require treatment. Premature
ventricular contractions(PVCs). These are among the most common
arrhythmias and occur in people with or without heart disease.
This is the skipped heartbeat we all