I have been having irregular heartbeats for several years. Two years ago I was put on verapamil (for high blood pressure and to help with PVCs). I had a real bad episode of strong irregular heart beats and was referred to a cardiologist. The irregular beats are most noticeable at rest. I was referred to a cardiologist. After describing my symptoms the doctor said it sounded like what I was describing was "escape" heartbeat?? I was taken off verapamil and had an echocardiogram, blood tests, holter monitor and chemical stress test. I was told the echo looked okay, the blood test looked okay (exept they did not do a cholesterol test in error), but the stress test was abnormal, and I have not heard on the holter monitor results. The nurse who called me the results said it appeared a part of my heart was getting insufficient oxygen and they wanted to schedule a catherization to check for a blockage. She said it was called anterior ischemia. I asked if there was an urgency to the catherization, and she said they like to schedule within two weeks of the results of the tests. I asked it I needed to do anything different, and she said just to take it easy and don't "overdo it". Needless to say, I am stressed and fearful of a heart attack occurring at anytime before I get the caterization. I will be visiting with the doctor tomorrow, but am interesting in hearing any feedback now. Can anterior ischemia cause irregular heartbeats?