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What Causes Irregular Heartbeats?
Question: hi... I have been waking up with an irregular heartbeat... usually up to 2 odd hours before I usually wake although several times now in the middle of the night.
I had atrial fib last Christmas time and spent a day in hospital until my heart rate cane down to a normal bpm. I was then sent home. I have also recently had what seems to be palpatations which come on after a hard day of work and I am usually dehydrated. I am only 35 years old and fairly fit
I had atrial fib last Christmas time and spent a day in hospital until my heart rate cane down to a normal bpm. I was then sent home. I have also recently had what seems to be palpatations which come on after a hard day of work and I am usually dehydrated. I am only 35 years old and fairly fit
Brief Answer:
You should contact your cardiologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your history of atrial fibrillation (AF) suggests the cause of your palpitations. Nobody can be sure of course unless an electrocardiogram (ECG) is done or you palpate an irregular rhythm that accompanies the symptoms. The latter is not as accurate as the ECG though.
Common factors predisposing to AF attacks include thyroid disease, excessive coffee or alcohol consumption, structural heart disease etc
I suppose that the cardiologists that treated you in the first attack already checked you heart with an echocardiogram - a special ultrasound test for the heart. The echo reveals structural heart disease and dysfunction of the valves etc.
Since you report no medical issues it's most likely you had no abnormal findings.
A TSH test is crucial to detect thyroid disease and I suppose that this test has already been done.
Let me comment on the actual problem now. Benign palpitations may arise after emotional stress, too much coffee etc. Many people experience this feeling. This poses no threat to them.
But if those palpitations are caused by atrial fibrillation then this can be serious.
Paroxysmal AF (PAF) may lead to stroke.
The cardiologist should estimate your risk which depends on age, heart disease and other factors.
You mentioned no risk factors at all. For patients like you I recommend - according to guidelines - aspirin treatment if PAF is proved to be the cause of the palpitations.
I suggest you contact your cardiologist soon.
I hope I've made the situation somewhat more clear now!
If you need further clarifications please let me know.
Kind Regards!
You should contact your cardiologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your history of atrial fibrillation (AF) suggests the cause of your palpitations. Nobody can be sure of course unless an electrocardiogram (ECG) is done or you palpate an irregular rhythm that accompanies the symptoms. The latter is not as accurate as the ECG though.
Common factors predisposing to AF attacks include thyroid disease, excessive coffee or alcohol consumption, structural heart disease etc
I suppose that the cardiologists that treated you in the first attack already checked you heart with an echocardiogram - a special ultrasound test for the heart. The echo reveals structural heart disease and dysfunction of the valves etc.
Since you report no medical issues it's most likely you had no abnormal findings.
A TSH test is crucial to detect thyroid disease and I suppose that this test has already been done.
Let me comment on the actual problem now. Benign palpitations may arise after emotional stress, too much coffee etc. Many people experience this feeling. This poses no threat to them.
But if those palpitations are caused by atrial fibrillation then this can be serious.
Paroxysmal AF (PAF) may lead to stroke.
The cardiologist should estimate your risk which depends on age, heart disease and other factors.
You mentioned no risk factors at all. For patients like you I recommend - according to guidelines - aspirin treatment if PAF is proved to be the cause of the palpitations.
I suggest you contact your cardiologist soon.
I hope I've made the situation somewhat more clear now!
If you need further clarifications please let me know.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
thank you very much for the information. could you please clarify what test/s are required to determine whether the palpitations are caused by the af which as you state may be serious and require further investigation?
Brief Answer:
An electrocardiogram during an attack
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
and thank you for asking!
As I've already pointed out in my previous answer you'll need either an electrocardiogram (ECG) during and attack or a careful palpation of your pulse (also during the attack). The ECG can definitely diagnose atrial fibrillation while the palpation might be difficult. Normally the heart beat is regular as a clock. In atrial fibrillation no single beat is the same with the others. One beat could be strong and come later, the other may come very short after the first but it can be very weak etc.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can be difficult to prove due its nature (paroxysmal means that it comes and goes). If your doctor has high suspicion of arrhythmia (either atrial fibrillation or any other kind) then he can also ask for the 24 hour test (Holter monitor). This is like a portable ECG machine that records ECGs when the patient has symptoms. This way the cardiologist can associate symptoms with ECG findings.
I hope I've addressed your concerns!
If you have more questions, I'll be glad to answer!
Kind Regards!
An electrocardiogram during an attack
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
and thank you for asking!
As I've already pointed out in my previous answer you'll need either an electrocardiogram (ECG) during and attack or a careful palpation of your pulse (also during the attack). The ECG can definitely diagnose atrial fibrillation while the palpation might be difficult. Normally the heart beat is regular as a clock. In atrial fibrillation no single beat is the same with the others. One beat could be strong and come later, the other may come very short after the first but it can be very weak etc.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can be difficult to prove due its nature (paroxysmal means that it comes and goes). If your doctor has high suspicion of arrhythmia (either atrial fibrillation or any other kind) then he can also ask for the 24 hour test (Holter monitor). This is like a portable ECG machine that records ECGs when the patient has symptoms. This way the cardiologist can associate symptoms with ECG findings.
I hope I've addressed your concerns!
If you have more questions, I'll be glad to answer!
Kind Regards!
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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