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unusual high bp and pulse upon waking.

55, female, maybe menopausal, history of panic disorder due to ganglioneuroma. Meds: Metoprolol 50mg (prevent palpitations) and alprazolam 0.5 as needed.

After an unusually restless and heavily perspiring sleep night, I awoke to palpitations that scared me. I continued to sweat and felt "not well" I took my blood pressure on a home monitor and it was 138/113 with a pulse of 99. I immediately took 50 mg metoprolol and .5 mg alprazolam. 15 mins later my bp was 140/90 with my pulse still 99. 15 mins after that my bp was 148/88 pulse 94. I took another 50 mg of metopolol and another 1/2 (.25) .5 alprazolam. Finally after another 30 mins my bp was 128/70 with a pulse of 66 and I began to feel better. I have never had an anxiety/panic attack of this nature. that is to say this was atypical of the symptoms of my normal attacks. I have been experiencing undiagnosed pain maybe  (between my shoulders (appox bra strap area) for a couple weeks. But I do deep breathing regularly for relaxation techniques and I do not feel any chest pressure when breathing. Is it possible that this was a heart event or just another panic episode. I do feel fine now and my bp is currently 109/68 with a pulse of 56. I do appreciate any comments or insight. Thank you.

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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your symptoms could be consistent with either a panic/anxiety attack as you mentioned, or something we call paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND).  PND can be a type of atypical angina (chest pain) that may indicate you are having symptoms associated with blockages in the coronary arteries (pain between your shoulder blades may be angina for you as well).  I would suggest you see your primary care physician or your cardiologist soon regarding these symptoms.
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Avatar universal
I have had similar episodes twice this year with heart pounding but not accelerating. I get hot spells once or twice a night lasting ujp to 90 minutes. But I have paroxsystic supraventricular tachycardia (which I don't feel)  This may explain my episodes so maybe you should see a cardiologist.
I have anxiety disorder too and try to keep my alprazolam dose down to .25. often I have to take another of the same to get out of the nausea, stomach ache, body buzz, dizzies etc. I'm 85.
Please post again
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Avatar universal
Possibly I posted this in the wrong forum, however I can not see a way to delete it.

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