I personally have dealt with similar experiences and just thought I would provide my comments -
I've had experienced irregular heartbeats like what you describe and noticed a few things that triggered them and some things that helped them.
It seems that irregular heartbeats are more often tied up with dysautonomia rather than heart problems so often gives peace of mind that there's no structural problems.
Things that trigger irregular heartbeats:
- Food allergies - if you eat something which triggers the heart to skip a beat its possible that you may be sensitive to the food
- Nutritional deficiencies/improper mineral ratios - if you are lacking specific nutrients required to support autonomic nervous system, its possible that this can trigger episodes. The mineral ratios are very important specific sodium/potassium and calcium/magnesium ratios. For example when I took a ca/mg supplement (2:1 ratio) it often triggered irregular heartbeats (because Im calcium deficient and need a 6:1 ratio of ca/mg so I was taking too much Mg for my body).
- Irregular circadian rhythm/ lack of quality sleep - this almost always triggered palpitation/irregular heartbeats - not getting enough sleep or having irregular sleep schedules will disrupt proper hormonal balance and these regulate autonomic nervous system. Most of my skipped beats happen when I start winding down and relax (probably triggered at that point because of secretion of melatonin and sudden shift in hormone ratios).
Having mitral valve prolapse can too trigger episodes however its possible that this is tied up with nutritional deficiencies/digestive/absorption issues.
Things that help me:
Full night sleep
Getting plenty of sun at the right times to regulate my circadian rhythm - this is essential to put me back in the right diurnal pattern (SAD light therapy can help in case of limited sun exposure).
Right levels of Ca/Mg - I was supplementing these without consulting an ND and I ended up having too high of Mg levels. Biofeedback help me find the right ratios for me and the right form of minerals.
CoQ10/Taurine/Carnitine - these are a fantastic help and have stopped my irregular heartbeats.
EFAs - absolutely essential ( I personally need a 4:1 ratio of omega 6:3)
Free form aminoacids - I swear by these, not just for irregular heartbeats but for overall health. Its true that most people eat too much protein at the wrong times and this can put a toll on enzyme/digestive juices levels - this can lead to protein deficiency (because of inability to digest it).
The body needs to break down protein into aminoacids in order to absorb it so when digestion is faulty , its possible that the body may lack of essential AAs for proper health. AAs are needed for just about everything including hormonal regulation (amino acids are the raw materials for hormones).
Most importantly look into your diet to make sure your not depriving yourself of nutrients that your body needs and that youre not eating something that is triggering the episodes (supplements included).
Mike