diff --git a/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py b/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py
index b16d1ff..068cccc 100644
--- a/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py
+++ b/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py
@@ -720,11 +720,8 @@ class XEP_0384(BasePlugin):
             should_heartbeat = await self._should_heartbeat(sender, sid, isPrekeyMessage)
             if should_heartbeat:
                 log.debug('Decryption: Sending hearbeat to %s / %d', jid, sid)
-                async def send_heartbeat():
-                    log.debug('Sending a heartbeat message')
-                    msg = await self.make_heartbeat(JID(jid), sid)
-                    msg.send()
-                asyncio.ensure_future(send_heartbeat())
+                msg = await self.make_heartbeat(JID(jid), sid)
+                msg.send()
 
         return body