Kakapa manawa anō Extra heart beats (ectopic beats)
Ectopic beats are a very common heart rhythm disturbance. They are also called extra heartbeats or extra systoles. Although extra beats can be uncomfortable, they are not usually serious. They will not damage or weaken your heart.
Causes of ectopic beats
Every heart has a part that works like a natural pacemaker. It sets the heart rate and rhythm. If you have extra beats, other parts of your heart are making this happen.
Several things can make extra beats worse, such as:
- smoking
- drinking too much alcohol
- caffeine, which is in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola drinks and energy drinks
- other illnesses, such as a cold or the flu
- emotional stress
- medicines that stimulate your heart (such as some asthma and cold medicines).
Symptoms of ectopic beats
Symptoms of extra beats can vary. It is typical to feel like your heart is skipping or missing a beat or rolling over in your chest. You might also feel that your chest is tight or that you are briefly short of breath.
You can feel each extra beat for a second or so, but a series of beats may last for minutes or longer.
You generally feel these beats:
- while resting
- at the end of the day
- after your evening meal
- in bed at night.
They are generally less noticeable when you are exercising, but they can happen after exercise.
It is normal to notice extra beats one day and not the next. You might have them for a few weeks or months, then they go away again.
Many people have extra beats without any symptoms at all.
Diagnosing ectopic beats
If you are concerned about your heartbeat see your healthcare provider.
Ectopic beats can usually be diagnosed from your symptoms. You may have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart.
Treating ectopic beats
Ectopic beats do not need to be treated with medication as they are not serious and will stop by themselves.
Self care with ectopic beats
It is best to avoid anything that makes ectopic beats worse.
- If you smoke, stop smoking.
- If you are caffeine sensitive avoid or cut back on caffeinated drinks.
- Limit how much alcohol you drink. Some people find any alcohol at all makes their extra heartbeats worse — if alcohol affects you this way, avoid it completely.
- Many cold medicines, even those you buy over the counter, can make extra beats worse and you should avoid those.