The heart’s electrical activity changes with age. This can lead to arrhythmias.

Many other factors cause unusual heartbeats, including:

• Drug use, smoking
• Alcohol use
• Caffeine
• Some medications, vitamin supplements, and herbal remedies
• Mineral imbalances, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium
• Stress or anxiety
• Diabetes or obesity
• Damage to the heart muscle due to a heart attack or coronary artery disease and heart failure
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Sleep apnea (breathing temporarily stops during sleep)
• Thyroid disease

Last Updated February 2023