Submitted by Dr T on November 1, 2011 – 9:04am
Question:
Hello, I’m a 40 year old male that walks 4 to 5 miles 3 times a week, I am overweight at 233lbs and 6’0″ tall. I do smoke and know I shouldn’t, but I don’t drink anything other than water and the occasional power-ade. I try not to eat much unhealthy fast food; ie. McD’s, BK and the like, but I do like Subway a lot. Due to food allergies, to be more specific an Allium allergy, I am unable to eat many vegetables. Now to my question (concern).I had to go today for a pre-employment screening/physical, and the doctor that saw me informed me that I have an irregular heartbeat and ordered an EKG. He had me feel my pulse and it will beat 2 times and then pause, another 2-7 times and pause, and continues doing this. Should I be very worried about this, or should I just chalk it up to getting “older”?I am also wondering if this has anything to do with my fatigue, still being tired after sleeping all night, and lack of stamina in other personal areas.Thank you for your time on this matter and hope you can help me figure things out. I also hopes this might help others.
It’s too early for me to be specific, but occasional extra beats are very common and can be very disconcerting when they happen, especially if new. As your doctor is recommending, you need some testing to evaluate this. If fatigue and other symptoms are related to an arrhythmia, they will require more in-depth evaluation. Meanwhile you should consider laying off unhealthy habits (especially smoking) and start working out!
You can read more her:
https://www.cardiachealth.org/palpitations
https://www.cardiachealth.org/arrhythmias
https://www.cardiachealth.org/diet-exercise-prevent-heart-disease
With new onset, the first cause that needs to be excluded is heart disease. You can check whether you are at risk here:
https://www.cardiachealth.org/app/risk-assessment.php
Hope this helps,
Dr T
