What triggers ectopic heartbeats and how can they be reduced?
Certain lifestyle and medical factors can increase the frequency of ectopic heartbeats. In this video, Dr Ravi Assomull, a Private Cardiologist in London, explains common triggers and how symptoms can be reduced.
Learn more about Abnormal heart rate or book a consultation with Dr Assomull – no GP referral needed, appointments typically within one working day.
Transcript
You're more likely to get ectopic beats due to certain triggers and these typical triggers include a lack of sleep, anxiety, stress, also consumption of excess caffeine or alcohol are very well documented triggers. In more recent times we've become aware of viral infections causing ectopic beats. Certainly during the COVID pandemic one of the key cardiac symptoms associated with a COVID infection were palpitations due to ectopic beats.
Finally with hormonal changes such as those experienced during the menopause or pregnancy ectopic beats can be more prevalent and using certain drugs such as nasal decongestants or stimulants can also trigger these ectopic beats.
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