HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Irregular Heartbeat?

default
Posted on Tue, 15 Dec 2015
Question: My wife has been tracking her blood pressure daily ranging a little on the high side , about every other day it tells her she has an irregular heartbeat. She has diabetes also and does not sleep well is this a serious condition
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibly

Detailed Answer:
I follow your question.

An irregular heart rhythm always merits a detailed evaluation preferably by a qualified cardiologist.

But considering the reading is from an automated machine it would first make sense to have your pulse checked by a healthcare provider in-person first to confirm the presence of an irregular heartbeat problem.

Sometimes a low blood glucose reaction can cause a rapid heartbeat but it is seldom irregular. That being said, I see she is only on metformin for diabetes. Metformin is not known to cause a low sugar episode.

Thyroid problems can also result in an irregular heart beat.

When I see a patient in my practice who presents with complaints similar to those of your wife, I typically order the following tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC
Electrolytes
Calcium
HbA1c
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Irregular Heartbeat?

Brief Answer: Possibly Detailed Answer: I follow your question. An irregular heart rhythm always merits a detailed evaluation preferably by a qualified cardiologist. But considering the reading is from an automated machine it would first make sense to have your pulse checked by a healthcare provider in-person first to confirm the presence of an irregular heartbeat problem. Sometimes a low blood glucose reaction can cause a rapid heartbeat but it is seldom irregular. That being said, I see she is only on metformin for diabetes. Metformin is not known to cause a low sugar episode. Thyroid problems can also result in an irregular heart beat. When I see a patient in my practice who presents with complaints similar to those of your wife, I typically order the following tests in addition to a detailed physical examination: CBC Electrolytes Calcium HbA1c Liver function tests Kidney function tests TSH 25 hydroxy Vitamin D