Duration
Heart stumbling can last for very different lengths of time. Sometimes it is only one extra beat that feels like a stumble, but sometimes several such extra beats occur in a row. In most healthy patients the stumbling does not last longer than a few seconds. If a repeated stumbling of several minutes occurs, it is advisable to consult the family doctor for further clarification and to exclude serious causes.
Therapy
In most cases, extrasystoles are harmless. Nevertheless, many of those affected find them disturbing, so that therapy is desirable in these cases. There is, however, no drug that specifically prevents the occurrence of extrasystoles.
Tablets containing magnesium and/or potassium can be taken without a prescription, but it would be advisable – especially when taking potassium preparations – to check the blood values beforehand, as an increase in the potassium level caused by taking tablets can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmia. The attending physician can administer a low-dose beta-blocker, for example bisoprolol or metoprolol, to patients who find the heart stumbling very disturbing. In addition, regular sleep, avoidance of stress and abstinence from drugs, nicotine and coffee are a possibility to reduce the heart stumbling.
It is not uncommon for extrasystoles to occur as a result of stress, fatigue or abrupt changes in the day-night rhythm. The change to the night shift can therefore be a trigger for the occurrence of heart flutter. Those affected should try to get sufficient sleep during the day and avoid stimulants such as coffee and nicotine as well as drugs.
