Re: sudden bursts of sinus tachycardia while sleeping

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on March 30, 1999 at 22:30:48:

In Reply to: sudden bursts of sinus tachycardia while sleeping posted by Alison on March 28, 1999 at 11:20:22:






Drs of cardiology, Well it finally was caught on tape! I am having bouts of sinus tachycardia 160bpm for over 30 seconds they said(this was the event monitor place) It has only happened after Ive been in bed almost asleep then boom! What are the causes of this type of tachycardia other then the obvious, thyroid has already been checked not having panic attacks , what else causes this? Ive done some reading on pheochiomocytoma but I dont have headaches or high blood pressure, could this still be a possibility? Im a 38yr old female healthy with 3 children, by the way Ive always experianced pvc but they have increased in frequentcy on occasion, and my periods have also become quite heavy could this be all hormonal?PLEASE HELP WITH WHAT THE POSSIBILITY'S MIGHT BE Im scaring myself to death over it being sinus tach not the svt the Dr thought it was going to be thanks in advance alison




Dear Alison, thank you for your question.  If the event monitor tracing is correct, then you appear to have inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST).  The cause of IST is not well known, but obvious disorders like you mention including hyperthyroidism and pheochromocytoma need to be ruled out.  From the information you've provided, I don't think you have either disorder.  IST is rarely harmful, but certainly can be a nuisance.  A medication that may help to limit the severity and frequency of episodes of ST is called a beta blocker.  Thus, I suggest that you see your physician soon for a treatment plan and to get an accurate prognosis.
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