What Causes Skipped Heart Beats?

Posted on Fri, 26 Dec 2014

Question: Having skipped beats lately and have had them on and off for 29 years. I've had blood work done for all cardiac markers, dozens of EKG's, 4 Echo's, physicals.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Sharma (2 minutes later)

It may not be pathological.
In normal individual also it may happen.

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Sharma (5 minutes later)

Can the skipped beats weaken the heart as i get older? In good health now and have aleays been very active and continue to be. Its the mental aspect that affects me, any recommendations? Again, i have been assured by Cardiologists that im fine?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Sharma (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No, It will not weaken the heart.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM
I am Dr Rakesh Sharma answering your query.
I can understand your concern.
There are plenty of variations seen in daily clinical practice of all the organs.
Once investigated, and found every thing within normal limits suggestive of physiological variation.
Your case seems to be the same.
There is no chance of your heart getting weak as the age progresses because of occasional missing beat.
Your cardiologist has also assured you of the same.
Keep following healthy life style.
Once the reports are fine, you should not stress yourself.This may harm you.
Hope you have answer to your query, if any thing else you are welcome,or you can close the question and rate the answer.
Good luck.

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Sharma (7 hours later)

Last question; i have had episodes of these skipped bests sometimes for as long as 16 months during stressful and sleep loss periods. This time so far its a month. Any explaination as to what exactly causes them? I run daily and feel great & i take the following for preventive; 10 mg statin, fish oil, aspirin, magnesium & 40 mg pantaprozole for gerd/reflux. High cholesterol runs in my family, both parents however are healthy at 66. What else do you suggest to counter the skips other than sleep, hydration and not worrying? The skips happen a few times an hour, single skips. Sometimes i feel them slightly, other times more pronounced. Please advise?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Keep your stress away.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Your doctor has done a good job in prescribing you right medication.
You seem to be very conscious about your beat that is why you could feel it or get it.
Try not to think about it, as your reports are very normal.
Even when my clinic , when I examine patients their beat skips some time due to stress.I t does not always mean a heart disease.
If you follow your beats , they will always be pronounced, though they are as such through the day.
Hope I have answered your query.
If any thing else you are welcome, or you can close the query by rating the answer.
Good luck.

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Sharma (30 hours later)

Hiow much of the mental aspect plays into the recurring skipped beats? In other words, could being so conscious of them, bring on more? Could CO Q-10 help along with magnesium? What about electrolyte drinjs & L Carnitine? Thank You for your help.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
More you think, more it is.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
You are not suffering from any disease , no medication is required.
Adding medication will add to problems.
Just keep yourself busy, with family and friends, outdoor activities, you will find they are becoming less.
You can take L Carnitine and electrolyte.But they have no role to play in this.
Hope I have answered your query.
If any thing else you are welcome, or you can close the query by rating the answer.
Good luck.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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