I have an irregular heartbeat - what causes this? (possibly one for Dr Frank!!!)?

I was ill recently and had to have an ECG. It showed an irregular heartbeat - so irregular that even though i was in no pain and had no symptoms of heart problems, i was kept in hospital overnight and had a repeat ECG every hour.
The doc also printed out the ECG for me, and told me I must keep it with me at all times and make sure that those around me are aware of the condition because it looks as if I am having a heart attack - but I`m not!
What causes this? Why is my heart totally different from anyone elses? the doc said it was the most irregular, otherwise healthy heart he had ever seen!!!

It would have been nice to know your age, and past history and of course to see the ECG trace.

I do wish doctors would tell patients rather more about their conditions. If your doctor actually had a diagnosis, why did he not share it with you, it is your body after all!

I wish I could be more helpful, however if he is not offering treatment the dysrythmia can't be all that serious.

I have a boring habit of actually telling patients pretty much all I know about their condition and what they can expect, it takes a bit longer, but most patients appreciate it. ( An odd one really doesn't want to know.)

I would think it is justified to make an appointment with your GP to discuss the results of your hospital investigation, your diagnosis and prognosis.

Once you have done this, if you have any unresolved queries I will TRY and help.

I'll add you to my contacts so I can spot any questions.

Didnt you ask this to the doctor who saw you?
Irregular heart beat has a lot of causes.
But your answer lies in the last line of your question

I'm not dr frank but i hope i will do. If your irregular heartbeat is called atrial fibrillation it is because your heart is not pumping effectively and is fibrillating (wiggling) therefore blood is collecting and becomes thick, which can cause clots which can travel around the body causing problems.
It would help to know exactly what type of irregular heartbeat you have!

An arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia) is an irregular heartbeat. Heart rates can also be irregular. A normal heart rate is 50 to 100 beats per minute. Arrhythmias and abnormal heart rates don't necessarily occur together. arrhythmias can occur with a normal heart rate, or with heart rates that are slow (called bradyarrhythmias -- less than 60 beats per minute). arrhythmias can also occur with rapid heart rates (called tachyarrhythmias -- faster than 100 beats per minute). Arrhythmias may be caused by many different factors and they can also occur in "normal, healthy" hearts. Rather than discuss all the types and causes of arrhythmia, I add a link which has information on this subject

http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_
sheets/html/arrhythmia.html

Hope this helps
Matador 89

My friend had an irregular heartbeat which was caused by her very busy, stressful life. She had to wear a monitor for 24 hours, but the doctors didn't think there was anything wrong with her heart. I would suggest you try meditation or biofeedback therapy to try & regulate your heartbeat if the doctor thinks that might help.

oh man. so many things can cause that.

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