What Causes An Irregular Heartbeat?

Posted on Wed, 17 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 17 Aug 2016 Answered on

Tue, 6 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : All day I've been having an irregular heartbeat. It seems like it goes a couple of beats, hesitates and thumps. In the past, I've had short periods of this and figured it was just normal. But, this has been all day. I began a water aerobics class yesterday and went again today. I don't have any other symptoms other than only slightly light-headed, very slightly. My balance is off, it seems. I am 70 years old but in good health. Weigh 120 lbs, am a non-smoker/non-drinker and a vegetarian. The only medication I am on is ultram. I recently increased the doseage and take about 9, 50 mg pills a day.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

First of all is essential to find out what kind of arrhythmias you're having recently.

Secondly in order to do so is necessary to schedule for the following examinations:
- Blood work including thyroid hormones
- Ecg
- Cardiac echo
- Holter monitoring

Thirdly if the arrhythmia become more intense or you doesn't feel well you should go immediately to ER.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar