Irregular heartbeat

Posted By Sandra on January 27, 1999 at 14:08:17:







I am a 33 year old woman with an irregular heartbeat.  Four years ago I was
treated with radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism/graves disease.  At that
time I was given a stress test, EKG, and wore a holter monitor to check my
irregular heartbeat.  The doctors (the best in my area) basically said "oh,
well, your heart beats irregular - nothing serious - try to exercise regularly
and stay away from caffeine."  All of which I do (chocolate or a pop occassionally)
and I have been able to deal with the irregular beats ok.  Usually I have
a period of a few days a month where the irregular beats bother me (generally
near to my ovulation time.)  Anyways, two weeks ago I had the flu for the first
time in 9 years (10 out of 22 people in my family got it) and I did not eat
anything or much for several days -- and now my heart has been more irregular
then normal.  Could this be due to change in diet and lack of exercise?  Exercise
does seem to really maintain the regulation of the beats.  I worked out today
and it was great, but my heart continues to skip a beat here or there and then
add one or two more to "catch up."  P.S. my mother has/had a left bundle block
but now wears a pace maker and is just fine.  There was no evidence of that
in me 4 years ago.  Sorry this is so long - thanks for your help.