Some heart conditions cause a disturbance in the normal electrical conductivity of the heart.  They can cause abnormal heart rhythms both fast or slow.

These types of heart conditions are called arrhythmias. You can find out more about these here.

Many of these conditions are managed with medication, but in some cases pacemakers or ICDs (Internal Cardiac Defibrillators) are used. Pacemakers and ICDs are small devices that are usually implanted just under your collarbone. Pacemakers send out electrical impulses into the heart muscle that helps it beat at a normal rate. An ICD is used to help your heart return to a normal rhythm if you have an episode of Ventricular Tachycardia or Ventricular Fibrillation by sending a electrical shock to your heart. You can find out more from your medical team about how it works.

If you are prescribed medication, you can read more about how it works here. You can also talk to your Clinical Nurse Specialist who will be able to help you understand more about it.