What causes an ectopic heartbeat?

What causes an ectopic heartbeat?

Ectopic heartbeats can result from:

• Alcohol and drinks that contain caffeine. Foods that are high in fat, sugar or carbohydrates can also cause an irregular heartbeat occasionally. Many people experience heart palpitations after eating.
• Anxiety and stress.
• Dehydration.
• Drug use, including nasal decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine.
• Extra weight and obesity. People who carry extra weight have a higher risk of abnormal heart rhythms and heart disease.
• Hormonal changes during menopause and changes that happen to your body during pregnancy. Heart palpitations during pregnancy are very common and usually harmless.
• Smoking.

Less often, an ectopic heartbeat is the result of a heart problem or health condition, such as:

• Arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (Afib) and tachycardia (fast heart rate).
• Heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure.
• Lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Structural heart problems.