diff --git a/oslo_messaging/_drivers/impl_rabbit.py b/oslo_messaging/_drivers/impl_rabbit.py
index 68908f50d..3e7580bc2 100644
--- a/oslo_messaging/_drivers/impl_rabbit.py
+++ b/oslo_messaging/_drivers/impl_rabbit.py
@@ -967,7 +967,7 @@ class Connection(object):
 
     def _heartbeat_start(self):
         if self._heartbeat_supported_and_enabled():
-            self._heartbeat_exit_event = threading.Event()
+            self._heartbeat_exit_event = eventletutils.Event()
             self._heartbeat_thread = threading.Thread(
                 target=self._heartbeat_thread_job)
             self._heartbeat_thread.daemon = True