What causes my rapid heartbeat??

[jessiew]

It was back in February, I was sitting down on my bed watching tv and out of the blue I started to feel like I was about to pass out. so I took some deep breaths and fan myself and got over it. It was about 5 mintues later I got really hot. I fan myself once again and got over it. At that time I was worried  so I woke my husband and told him. He told me to get in bed and go to sleep. As soon as I got in bed and layed down on my right side my heart started to race. It felt like my heart  was coming out of my chest. About 5 to 10 mintues later it was over and I felt shaky and weak! I called 911 and the amublance came and told me that my vital signs was great and there was no need for me to go to the ER. Fast forward to april 18th 2011 It was 9 am and I was sleeping in when I was woke up by my heart just pounding in my chest. This time I went to the ER and they did an EKG and a chest x-ray and both turn out just fine. The only thing the doctor said was to stop smoking and stop drinking caffeine!! I want to know has anyone  went though this as well?? Please let me know!!

[jessiew]

Thanks for your answers!! I will post up dates!! Thanks again!!

[gurl7]

yes i have it happens 2 me all the time its nothing 2 worry about it is just a panic attack atleast  thats what it sounds like from what ur telling me and if it is dont worry it just feelings and u need 2 tell ur self this isnt real it is just all feelings but yea the smoking and drinking increases anxiety my dr always warns me about that because i used to think if i smoked it would calm my nerves and my dr told me ur just making ur anxiety worse

[mammo]

Anxiety can, and does cause these symptoms.  Caffeine and smoking increases anxiety, and as you are well aware, smoking is setting you up for big health issues down the road.  So, I agree with that advice.  But I think you should get a thorough check-up by your doctor. If everything checks out okay, then it's time to look at anxiety as being your problem.  This sounds like an anxiety attack, but we always want to rule out other causes first, and I'm not sure a couple of tests at the ER is sufficient.  There are many causes for our hearts to beat fast.....anemia...low blood sugar....overactive thyroid....dehydration....hormones....cold remedies....low blood pressure, etc.  So, I think you should have some blood work done to make sure everything is okay and go from there.
Keep us posted!