An arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia) is an irregular heartbeat. Heart rates can also be irregular. A normal heart rate is 50 to 100 beats per minute. Arrhythmias and abnormal heart rates don't necessarily occur together. arrhythmias can occur with a normal heart rate, or with heart rates that are slow (called bradyarrhythmias -- less than 60 beats per minute). 

Arrhythmias can also occur with rapid heart rates (called tachyarrhythmias -- faster than 100 beats per minute). In the united states more than 850,000 people are hospitalized for an arrhythmia each year.

 Symptoms

An arrhythmia can be silent and not cause any symptoms. A doctor can detect an irregular heartbeat during a physical exam by taking your pulse or through an electrocardiogram (ecg).

When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering or "flip-flops," or feeling that your heart is "running away").
• Pounding in your chest.
• Dizziness or feeling light-headed.
• Fainting.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest discomfort.
• Weakness or fatigue (feeling very tired).

Causes

• Coronary artery disease.
• Electrolyte imbalances in your blood (such as sodium or potassium).
• Changes in your heart Muscle.
• Injury from a heart attack.
• Healing process after heart surgery.
• Irregular heart rhythms can also occur in "normal, healthy" hearts.

Treatment

Grapes
Grapes are one of the most effective home remedies for heart palpitation. The patient should take the juice of this fruit at frequent intervals. This will relieve the condition.

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
This is a main ayurvedic heart herb which regulates blood pressure and heart rate. It increases Circulation to coronary arteries and lowers cholesterol levels. It is known for its use with angina, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia as well as Asthma. Dosage is patient-dependent, no standard dosage is given. One study carried out a study with a daily dose of 3.88gm of the powdered herb.

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha)
This essential heart tonic strengthens the heart Muscle and protects it from damage. Tt increases the heart's strength and regularity of the beat, slows the rate and lowers pressure. It's mainly used in mild arrhythmias, mild hypertension, angina and shortness of breath. Typical dosage is 1/4 tsp 3 x day of dried herb, or 5-10 drops of Tincture 1-3 times a day.

Motherwort (Leonarus cardiaca)
This herb lowers blood pressure and calms and steadies the heart's rhythm. It balances electrolytes within the heart cells and improves the blood flow to the heart. One of its key features is that it strengthens the heart and calms cardiac problems related to anxiety and tension, reduces excessive heart rate and calms palpitations of nervous origin. Typical dosage is 1/2 tsp Tincture 3 times a day or 1 tsp herb in 1 cup of boiling water as a Tea.