Irregular heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat, most often atrial fibrillation, is when the heart beats in an uneven or unusually fast rhythm. Read more about irregular heartbeat →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the cardiology wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
cardiology waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust | Leeds | 5 weeks |
| Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust | Wakefield | 6 weeks |
| United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust | Lincoln | 6 weeks |
| University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust | Westmorland and Furness | 6 weeks |
| Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust | Nottingham | 7 weeks |
| The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust | Dudley | 7 weeks |
| Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust | Tameside | 7 weeks |
| East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust | Blackburn with Darwen | 7 weeks |
About irregular heartbeat
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cause of an irregular heartbeat. Faulty electrical signals make the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating steadily, so the pulse becomes irregular and is often fast. Some people notice palpitations, breathlessness, tiredness or dizziness, while others have no symptoms and it is found by chance. It becomes more common with age. It is not usually immediately life-threatening, but because it raises the risk of a stroke, it is important to have it assessed and managed.
How it is treated
Atrial fibrillation is confirmed with a heart tracing (an ECG), sometimes with a monitor worn for a day or more to catch an irregular beat that comes and goes. Treatment has two aims. The first is to lower the raised risk of stroke, usually with an anticoagulant medicine that reduces the chance of a clot forming. The second is to control the heart itself, either slowing the rate or restoring a regular rhythm, with medicine and sometimes a treatment such as a cardioversion or an ablation to reset or correct the rhythm. The right mix depends on your symptoms and your overall risk.
Living with it
Atrial fibrillation is usually a long-term condition that is managed well with medicine and regular review. Taking any anticoagulant exactly as prescribed is important, as it is the main way the risk of stroke is lowered. Your heart team will review how well the rate or rhythm is controlled and adjust treatment if needed. Healthy changes such as keeping a healthy weight, staying active, and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can reduce how often symptoms happen. Seek emergency help for chest pain, severe breathlessness or fainting.
Sources: NHS: Atrial fibrillation. Last updated October 2026.
What happens next with irregular heartbeat
The usual steps, from seeing your GP to recovery, and the questions people ask at each one.
Before referral
Who should I see about an irregular heartbeat?
See your GP, who can check your pulse, do a heart tracing (ECG) and blood tests, and either start treatment or refer you. Your NHS waiting time starts later, once a hospital receives a referral.
Source: NHS, Atrial fibrillation
What is atrial fibrillation?
It’s a common heart rhythm problem where the heart beats irregularly, and often faster than usual. It’s usually manageable with the right treatment.
Source: NHS, Atrial fibrillation
Having tests
What tests will I have?
Usually a heart tracing (ECG) to record the rhythm, sometimes a monitor worn at home for a day or longer, plus blood tests to look for a cause.
Source: NICE guideline NG196
Why have I been offered a blood thinner?
An irregular heartbeat can raise the risk of stroke, so many people are offered an anticoagulant to lower that risk. The GP or specialist weighs this up with you.
Source: NICE guideline NG196
What’s a heart monitor like?
It’s a small device you wear for a day or longer that records your heart rhythm while you go about normal life, so the clinic can catch the irregular beats.
Source: NHS, Atrial fibrillation
Can I still drive?
Most people with a controlled irregular heartbeat can keep driving a car, but different rules apply to buses and lorries.
Source: GOV.UK, Arrhythmia and driving
Your specialist appointment
What happens at the heart clinic?
A cardiologist reviews your tests, talks through what’s causing the irregular beat, and agrees a plan, which might be medicines or a procedure. Bring your questions and a list of your medicines.
Source: NHS, Atrial fibrillation
Can I still switch to a faster hospital?
Ask your GP or the hospital to move you to a faster NHS hospital, free on the NHS. Ask for it as a hospital transfer, not a new referral, so you keep the time you’ve already waited rather than starting again. Get it confirmed in writing. If you’ve waited more than 18 weeks, you can ask the NHS to find you somewhere quicker.
Source: NHS, Your choices in the NHS
On treatment
What do the medicines do?
Some control your heart rate or rhythm so you feel better, and an anticoagulant lowers stroke risk. Your specialist chooses what suits you and reviews it over time.
Source: NICE guideline NG196
Are there procedures if medicines don’t work?
Yes. Options like cardioversion (resetting the rhythm) or ablation may be considered if medicines aren’t enough, and the cardiologist will explain whether they’re right for you.
Source: NHS, Atrial fibrillation
Can I travel on a blood thinner?
If you take an anticoagulant, carry a note of it and plan ahead for trips. Check with your GP or specialist before long flights.
Source: NHS, Anticoagulant medicines
Does a procedure affect driving?
Driving rules can change for a short time after a procedure like ablation or cardioversion.
Source: GOV.UK, Arrhythmia and driving
Follow-up and monitoring
How often will I be reviewed?
Many people are reviewed regularly by their GP or clinic to check the medicines are working and still suitable, including blood tests for some anticoagulants.
Source: NICE guideline NG196
Will I always need treatment?
Often an irregular heartbeat is a long-term condition managed with medicines, but plans change over time, and your GP or specialist will tell you what to expect.
Source: NHS, Atrial fibrillation
What if symptoms affect work?
Your GP or occupational health can advise, and you may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay if you’re off sick.
Source: GOV.UK, Statutory Sick Pay
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.