Irregular Heartbeat

Irregular heartbeats indicate heart rhythm problems, also called arrhythmias or dysrhythmias. These problems happen when the heart’s natural pacemaker, called the SA node, is no longer in control of the electrical impulses that cause your heart to pump. This disrupts the heart’s normal rhythm and makes it work less efficiently. People may experience arrhythmias as palpitations, a “fluttering” or “racing” heart, or skipped heartbeats.

Causes

Irregular heartbeats can result from a number of different conditions. Some of these are lack of oxygen to the heart (often caused by atherosclerosis), heart valve disease, or damage to the heart muscle.

Prevention

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help you prevent the atherosclerosis that can cause irregular heartbeats. Use these strategies:

• Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and choose healthier-fat sources of protein such as nuts and fish
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight and keep diabetes under control
• Quit smoking
• Limit your intake of alcohol
• Limit your use of caffeine
• Beware of stimulants used in cough and cold medications—some of these can contain ingredients that promote irregular heart rhythms

Diagnostic Testing

• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Testing
  • Blood Tests
  • Chest X-rays
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG,ECG)
  • Medical History & Physical Exam
• Cardiac Cath Lab Diagnostic Procedures
  • Cardiac Catheterization

Treatment Procedures

• Cardiac Cath Lab Interventional Procedures
  • Ablation
  Cardiac Cath Lab Rhythm Procedures
  • Laser Lead Extraction
  • Pacemakers and ICDs
• Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Heart Rhythm Treatment (Maze)

Medication

Taking medications is one of the most important aspects of your treatment. To get the most benefit from your heart medications and avoid mistakes and complications it helps to understand why you’re taking them and how they work.

Intermountain Healthcare resources on irregular heartbeats, diagnosis, and treatment

• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 2 - Understanding Heart Disease
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 4 - Diagnostic Tests
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 5 - Treatment Procedures
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 6 - Medications

Intermountain Healthcare resources on heart healthy living

• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 7 - Activity for a Healthy Heart
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 9 - More Healthy Habits
• Blood Pressure Basics: What you need to know to manage your blood pressure
• Blood Pressure Tracker: A tool for keeping track of your blood pressure
• Journey to Freedom: A Guide to Quitting Smoking
• Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
  

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association (AHA)
• Medline Plus Heart Pages