Causes of Premature Heartbeats Explained

Premature heartbeats, also known as cardiac arrhythmias, are irregular heartbeats that can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. There are four primary causes of premature beats, which are outlined below:

Functional Factors

Functional causes are among the most common triggers for premature heartbeats. These typically involve imbalances in the autonomic nervous system or excessive stimulation of the central nervous system. Everyday factors such as emotional stress, anxiety, fatigue, indigestion, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and intake of stimulants like strong tea or coffee can all lead to early heartbeats. In some cases, no specific cause can be identified.

Medications and Medical Procedures

Certain medications, including digitalis, quinidine, and cyclopropane anesthetics, can cause premature heartbeats as a side effect. Additionally, procedures such as cardiac surgery or heart catheterization may also trigger these irregular heartbeats due to direct effects on the heart's electrical system.

Heart-Related Conditions

Various cardiac diseases can increase the likelihood of experiencing premature heartbeats. These include conditions such as coronary artery disease, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), and valvular heart disease. These disorders can interfere with the normal electrical activity of the heart, leading to arrhythmias.

Systemic Diseases

General health conditions outside of the cardiovascular system can also contribute to premature heartbeats. Examples include viral infections like the common cold, bacterial infections such as tonsillitis, endocrine disorders, adrenal gland dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic alkalosis. These systemic issues can indirectly affect heart rhythm by altering the body's internal environment.