What Causes Irregular Heart Beat In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Fri, 13 Jan 2017

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

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 Answered on

Fri, 3 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am experiencing irregular, faster pulse. This is new for me. I am 71, but have always had good heart health.

Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please do a ECG

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
This is Dr Sameer, cardiologist.
Irregular heart beat can be due to abnormal contraction from normal parts of Heart called as PVC's - premature ventricular contraction. It can be normal, but if comes very frequently than it is abnormal.
Other possible situation is AF - Atrial Fibrillation, which is irregular contraction of heart.
To diagnose both, you have to do a ECG.
Also do a 2D Echo for management purpose.
Further management plan will depend on both reports.
Thanks
Dr Sameer Maheshwari

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy