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*4 Signs Your Heart Isn’t Beating The Way It Should

February 24, 2026

Your heart beats about 100,000 times a day usually without you noticing. But what happens when that rhythm gets out of sync?

A heart arrhythmia is when your heart beats too fast, too slow or just irregularly. Some people feel it right away. Others? They may have no idea anything’s wrong.

“Arrhythmias can range from harmless to serious, and sometimes the most dangerous ones show the fewest symptoms,” says Chikezie Alvarez, MD, a cardiologist with the Heart & Vascular Institute at Hartford HealthCare. “That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to the small changes your body might be sending you.”

Here are four subtle symptoms that could point to a heart arrhythmia.

1. Fatigue that doesn’t make sense

We all get tired, but if you’re wiped out after doing things that normally don’t phase you, like walking up a flight of stairs or running errands, your heart might not be keeping up.

“When your heart isn’t pumping efficiently, your muscles and brain don’t get enough oxygen,” says Dr. Alvarez. “That can leave you feeling drained for no clear reason.”

This kind of fatigue feels different from everyday tiredness. It might come on suddenly, or even linger after a full night’s sleep.

> Related: 4 Ways to Make Your Heart Stronger

2. Feeling dizzy or off balance

If the room spins or you feel faint out of nowhere, it’s easy to blame dehydration or skipping a meal.

But a heart arrhythmia can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or even fainting.

“If it happens repeatedly, especially with activity, it’s worth having your heart checked,” says Dr. Alvarez.

3. Shortness of breath even when you’re not exerting yourself

Feeling winded after a tough workout is normal. But feeling winded while folding laundry or sitting still is not.

“Arrhythmias can affect how well your heart pumps, which sometimes causes fluid to build up in the lungs,” explains Dr. Alvarez. “People often think they’re just out of shape, but it can actually be a rhythm issue.”

Shortness of breath can have many causes. But when it shows up suddenly, worsens over time or happens along with other symptoms like fatigue or dizziness, it’s worth a conversation.

> Related: 7 Easy Ways to Protect Your Heart As You Age

4. Subtle chest fluttering or pressure

A strange flutter, thump or racing feeling in your chest can be easy to brush off, especially if it passes quickly.

“Some people describe it like butterflies, others like a flip-flop in the chest,” says Dr. Alvarez. “Even mild or occasional sensations are worth mentioning to your doctor.”

While not all palpitations are dangerous, frequent or new changes in your heartbeat deserve attention.

> Related: 6 Warning Signs of Heart Failure You Shouldn’t Ignore

When to get checked out

Because arrhythmias can be unpredictable and sometimes silent it’s smart to listen to your body.

“A simple EKG or heart monitor can detect irregular rhythms early, before they cause complications,” says Dr. Alvarez.