Leading a heart healthy lifestyle is the best way of preventing arrhythmia. When your heart is in good health, you have minimal risk of experiencing abnormal heartbeat. Healthy living comprises of a healthy diet and regular exercises. While a balanced diet can meet most of the nutrient requirements of your heart, certain food items are especially beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Obstructions in the coronary arteries are common causes of irregular heart rhythm, which can be prevented by consuming healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil can protect a person from major ventricular and atrial arrhythmia. Arrhythmia triggered by cardiovascular events can be prevented by consuming 800 to 1,000 mg of decosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) daily. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat present in the plant kingdom, is also effective in preventing cardiac arrhythmia. Fewer instances of arrhythmia are reported by increasing intake of magnesium rich foods.

Excess weight is one of the main risk factors of heart malfunction. Eliminating excess fats from the body helps to improve the heart rate, thereby diminishing the incidences of arrhythmia. Weight loss is associated with reduction in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, blood pressure, plasma insulin, insulin resistance, blood sugar and waist circumference. All these factors are linked to heart problems and arrhythmia. A low fat heart friendly diet combined with moderate workouts can gradually lessen your body mass. However, rapid weight loss and use of weight loss pills may worsen palpitation.

Smoking is bad for the heart. It significantly boosts the risk of developing life threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The toxic components that a person inhales through tobacco smoke damage the cardiovascular system in many ways. They increase endothelial dysfunction, risk of coagulation, platelet dysfunction, vasoconstriction and myocardial oxygen demand. By stimulating the sympathetic nerves, tobacco smoke triggers arrhythmia. Besides smokers, even secondhand smokers can develop arrhythmia from excessive exposure to cigarette smoke.

Drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and soft drinks might increase your heartbeat. Very high doses of caffeine might induce ventricular arrhythmia. However, small to moderate doses of caffeine is usually well tolerated by people with cardiac problems.

Arrhythmia might develop after ingesting high doses of alcohol. The risk of developing abnormal heart rhythm following alcohol intake is especially high in elderly people. Studies have shown that arrhythmia is more likely to be triggered by spirits and red wine than by white wine.

In some people, palpitation increases after taking decongestants, amphetamines, allergy medications and diet pills. Certain over-the-counter herbal remedies and nutritional supplements can contribute to abnormal heart rhythm.

Arrhythmia can be avoided by keeping stress under control. Emotional stress, anxiety, anger and fear cause abnormal increase in your heart rate. Stressful situations can be managed by practicing meditation and relaxation daily. Physical exercises can also help to calm your mind. To distract the mind from the common day-to-day problems, participate in activities you enjoy. Enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Do not allow work or relationship problems to dominate you. Try sharing your problems with your family or close friends. When overwhelmed with stress, do not hesitate to seek professional help. 

Regular check ups can prevent life-threatening arrhythmia. Report to your physician about any abnormal heart rhythm or a related symptom. Regular screening is recommended for people diagnosed with cardiac problems as well as for people with a family history of sudden cardiac arrest and arrhythmia. 

Several health problems contribute to arrhythmia. In most cases, cardiac disorders such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, atherosclerosis, congenital heart disease and heart valve damage trigger irregular heartbeat. Arrhythmia might be a symptom of a disease of the thyroid gland. Thyroid malfunction affects the basal metabolic rate of the body, which might lead to abnormal heartbeat.