R00-R09: Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

R00: Abnormalities of heart beat

The R00 code denotes a group of conditions known as "Abnormalities of Heart Beat." These abnormalities, often referred to as heart arrhythmias, involve irregular heart rhythms caused by improper electrical functioning of the heart. The heart may beat too rapidly (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), or irregularly, which would be referred to as 'flutter' or 'fibrillation.' These irregular rhythms might be felt as palpitations or skipping beats. Some people with heart beat abnormalities may also experience chest pain, shortness of breath, light-headedness or even loss of consciousness. However, not all arrhythmias cause noticeable symptoms. Heart beat abnormalities can result from several causes, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, and stress. In terms of disease progression, while some heart beat abnormalities can be benign, others can lead to harmful health outcomes if left unchecked, including heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest.