Irregular Heartbeat

Dear Ask The Doctor: Dear Doctor, Recently I have been late experiencing irregular heart beat. My heart beat rate can be in high as over 100 per min or low as 43 per min. However, in any cases, i don't feel any abnormal. I don't have any habbits or diet change rectnly. The only thing is, I have been taking blood pressure tablet (Cozaar 25mg) daily for a few months. However, I don't see this irregular heart beat until this month or so. Do you have any opinion on what may cause this? Thank you! More info: I am in age 65 and 5'1, 130 lbs.

Dear Mary: Irregular heart beats are often due to premature ventricular complexes (PVC's), but can sometimes be secondary to heart rhythm abnormalities.The only way to diagnose the cause of your symptoms is to get a heart tracing during these episodes. I would advise attending your family physician for a detailed history of your symptoms, including precipitating factors, physical examination and an ECG (electrical trace of the heart). If your symptoms occur on a daily basis, you require referral for a 24 hour Holter (heart) monitor. This records a 24 hour electrical trace of the heart and will check for any heart rhythm abnormalities. If your symptoms occur every other day, you require referral for a 48 hour Holter monitor. If your symptoms occur infrequently, a 24 hour recorder may not capture when you experience symptoms, and a patient activated recorder may be required in your case, to obtain a diagnosis.