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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low And Irregular Heart Beats?

I typically have a low heart rate 60-65 and I am not an active person. Sometimes I get lightheaded and when I do, I immediately check my heart rate. I stopped Xoloft about 5 days ago and last night my heart rate stayed at 52-54 bpm. Today I have felt irregular heart beats for the past 5 hours. Could it be from the Zoloft withdrawal? Do I need to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist? Thanks
Tue, 30 Oct 2018
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

The next step is to see a Cardiologist. Irregular heartbeats need to be documented by Electrocardiogram (EKG). Standard ECG records the electrical activity of the heart, for a few seconds. It can detect the arrhythmia occurring during that time only. If the episode occurs randomly or precipitated by a specific activity like exercise or anxiety - one needs Holter or event monitor. Holter records for days; Event monitor for weeks/Holter records continuously/Event monitor only at certain times. An echocardiogram is necessary to see the heart valves (Mitral Valve Prolapse)/heart muscle (Cardiomyopathy) and heart function (Ejection fraction, wall motion abnormality)/clots/and so on.

TMT – Treadmill exercise ECG; maybe with thallium isotope – is necessary to evaluate ischemia (reduced blood flow/Coronary Artery Disease.)

Many cases of palpitation are benign, especially when associated with normal ECHO and may not require treatment. If you also have symptoms like blurred vision, dizziness, loss of OF consciousness, shortness of breath, chest pain along with this, you need urgent work up.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein,
General Surgeon
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What Causes Low And Irregular Heart Beats?

Hi, The next step is to see a Cardiologist. Irregular heartbeats need to be documented by Electrocardiogram (EKG). Standard ECG records the electrical activity of the heart, for a few seconds. It can detect the arrhythmia occurring during that time only. If the episode occurs randomly or precipitated by a specific activity like exercise or anxiety - one needs Holter or event monitor. Holter records for days; Event monitor for weeks/Holter records continuously/Event monitor only at certain times. An echocardiogram is necessary to see the heart valves (Mitral Valve Prolapse)/heart muscle (Cardiomyopathy) and heart function (Ejection fraction, wall motion abnormality)/clots/and so on. TMT – Treadmill exercise ECG; maybe with thallium isotope – is necessary to evaluate ischemia (reduced blood flow/Coronary Artery Disease.) Many cases of palpitation are benign, especially when associated with normal ECHO and may not require treatment. If you also have symptoms like blurred vision, dizziness, loss of OF consciousness, shortness of breath, chest pain along with this, you need urgent work up. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon