I don't necessarily notice irregular heart beats, but my heart rate jumps from around 83 resting to 137 just standing up, along with low blood pressure, both of which cause me to be light-headed. In answer to your question, my mother had this problem when she went through menopause. My father had an irregular heart beat after heart surgery. All 3 of us are on a beta blocker. I am on Toprol XL and they are on Atenolol. I was concerned about being on it long term. My doctor said that God only gives you so many beats and why use them early. The beta blockers are harmless, lower blood pressure slightly (not a good thing for me, but working so far) and they are cheap - why not ask about one. Toprol also helps with anxiety a bit, so that was a side benefit for me. Any anti-depressant you take can cause irregular heartbeats too. I work in a hospital and wish I had a dollar for every person who comes in with an irregular heartbeat - I could quit working! Take heart, it is normal, but get the beta blocker if you can - they really are lifesavers!
