The condition can range from mild, in which you have a single extra heartbeat, to severe, with continuous rapid contractions that cause cardiac arrest.
Many arrhythmias are temporary, and can be a result of alcohol, caffeine, stress, or exhaustion.
But when irregular heartbeat persists, and is noticeable, it's vital to see a doctor. People with bradycardia may get short of breath, or pass out. To diagnose an arrhythmia, doctors may perform a number of tests, or use a monitoring device to collect data on the heartbeat. Surgery may be necessary for those conditions not treatable by medication, pacemaker, or other means.