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What Causes Irregular Heart Rhythms?
Question: I am a 66 year old male, I am morbid obese, I way 400lbs, 6'1", I visited the doctor yesterday, everything was ok with my lab, however, I was diagnosed with irregular heart beat, I will be called for an appointment to wear a heart monitor for two weeks. What causes irregular heart beats, how does it effect my daily living? What are the things I can do to help. I do drink red wine each night with dinner, I don't smoke
Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HcM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that irregular heart beats could be related to different causes:
- a heart disorder(a structural heart disorder, cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease)
- electrolytes imbalances
- thyroid dysfunction
- chronic anemia
- anxiety
- possible drugs
All the way that it affects your life, is based on the possible cause (including a heart disorder or any other metabolic disorders).
It is important an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring to examine your heart rhythm during this period and exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia, coupled with a cardiac ultrasound to examine your cardiac structure and function.
A cardiac stress test may be necessary if suspicions of possible coronary artery disease are raised (based on the fact that you have different cardio-vascular risk factors).
Further lab tests (thyroid hormone levels, blood electrolytes, inflammation tests and complete blood count) are necessary to exclude possible metabolic causes.
I would be happy to review those tests as soon as you can upload them.
Regarding a glass of wine at dinner, it is not harmful, but it is quite good for your health.
I would recommend some lifestyle modifications:
- modify your diet (avoid salt and caffeine intake)
- reduce your weight: you should consult with a dietetian for this purpose
- perform a lot of physical activity like walking or aerobics. I would not recommend straining physical activity.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HcM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that irregular heart beats could be related to different causes:
- a heart disorder(a structural heart disorder, cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease)
- electrolytes imbalances
- thyroid dysfunction
- chronic anemia
- anxiety
- possible drugs
All the way that it affects your life, is based on the possible cause (including a heart disorder or any other metabolic disorders).
It is important an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring to examine your heart rhythm during this period and exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia, coupled with a cardiac ultrasound to examine your cardiac structure and function.
A cardiac stress test may be necessary if suspicions of possible coronary artery disease are raised (based on the fact that you have different cardio-vascular risk factors).
Further lab tests (thyroid hormone levels, blood electrolytes, inflammation tests and complete blood count) are necessary to exclude possible metabolic causes.
I would be happy to review those tests as soon as you can upload them.
Regarding a glass of wine at dinner, it is not harmful, but it is quite good for your health.
I would recommend some lifestyle modifications:
- modify your diet (avoid salt and caffeine intake)
- reduce your weight: you should consult with a dietetian for this purpose
- perform a lot of physical activity like walking or aerobics. I would not recommend straining physical activity.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the answer, when you say other drugs are you talking about unlawful use of drugs like, marijuana, cocaine, etc. or supplements?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
By mentioning other drugs, I meant that there are several drugs which can cause palpitations and irregular heart beats as their adverse effects (some antibiotics, etc.).
From the drugs you are taking cyclobenzaprine is the only one to cause possible ectopic heart beats as an adverse effect. But other possible causes should be excluded before concluding that your irregular heart beat or palpitations are related to cyclobenzaprine intake.
From the other hand, marijuana, cocaine or supplements containing caffeine, energy drinks, or other stimulants are known to cause heart palpitations by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. But I was not really referring to those drugs.
Anyway, if you are taking any of these drugs, you should know that they also can cause irregular heart beats, among other adverse effects of theirs.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
By mentioning other drugs, I meant that there are several drugs which can cause palpitations and irregular heart beats as their adverse effects (some antibiotics, etc.).
From the drugs you are taking cyclobenzaprine is the only one to cause possible ectopic heart beats as an adverse effect. But other possible causes should be excluded before concluding that your irregular heart beat or palpitations are related to cyclobenzaprine intake.
From the other hand, marijuana, cocaine or supplements containing caffeine, energy drinks, or other stimulants are known to cause heart palpitations by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. But I was not really referring to those drugs.
Anyway, if you are taking any of these drugs, you should know that they also can cause irregular heart beats, among other adverse effects of theirs.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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