FYI's Health Tip: About Heart Arrhythmia -- Diana Kohnle

(HealthDay News) -- A healthy heart beats at a steady, regular pace to keep blood flowing throughout the body. But sometimes, the heart can beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. This condition, when serious, often requires prompt treatment.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these common risk factors for heart arrhythmia:

• Having had a previous heart attack.
• Problems with your endocrine system.
• A decline in the heart's general health.
• Blood chemistry abnormalities.
• Consuming caffeine.
• Cocaine use.
• Use of certain drugs, such as amphetamines, beta blockers, psychotropics or sympathomimetics.