Wow is all I can say, the reason I say that is because I'm currently going through soe of the same things as you. I have tachy in my sleep with bouts of brady. I have been brushed off for years. Now they want to do an EP study to find out what exactly is going on. I've had holter monitors, endless labs, stress, and echos. I suggested the tilt table a long time ago but my dr. said that was for patients who have history of fainting. Now hearing your story I never, ever want one of those. I'm sorry that you've had to endure all of that and yes at your young age. Does your family have a history of heart issues? can you tell me a little more about your symtoms as far as when you would get tachy and brady. I sure wish I had more to help you with but I'm sure someone on here will give you answers there are a few on here that are very knowledgable.
I didn't really have any fainting episodes either, I guess that's why I had to practically beg them for a tilt test. They did the EKG's and the 24 hour halters and the echo which all showed a healthy heart. The 30 day halter finally showed some of the tachy and brady times. It took so long to get a doctor to actually talk to me like a person instead of just a hypochondriac. The only reason I asked for the tilt test was because my niece had one and they ended up saying she had an electrolyte issue...which is what I was expecting them to tell me. My symptoms were mostly a few terrifying episodes of tachycardia when I was just sitting up in bed reading or even when I was sleeping like you've experienced, they would wake me up. I honestly thought I was having a heart attack even though I was so young I called 911 during 2 of them...of course they found nothing wrong when they arrived since my heart was right back to "normal" by then. Many ER visits with doctors acting as though I was wasting their time. It got pretty scary, it seemed that if my heart wasn't beating out of my chest it was beating almost too slowly for me to even lift my hand to feel my pulse. My blood pressure is pretty low too. Since all of this my mom has also had a tilt test and failed, she doesn't have a pacemaker yet but may need one soon. My cardiologist said it isn't genetic but I am beginning to think otherwise. I know that a tilt test sounds scary but if it can finally give you a diagnosis it may be worth it. I have already taken my kids to see a specialist as well just in case. If you have any other questions that I can maybe help out with so you don't have to get the same run around feel free to ask.
I really appreciate your reply. My blood pressure is fine, it always has been. Was your blood pressure a problem before the tilt test? I often feel the skipped beats, fast heart rate and the slow heart rate but I was told by my cardiologist that a slow heart rate is very normal while sleeping. It isn't slow while I'm awake neither. I had a 30day holter as well and again, the dr says "normal" how is my heart "normal" when it wakes me up out of my sleep beating so fast 179bpm while sleeping! I will ask again about the tilt test but I'm petrified now that I know your experience. It must have been so scary for you :( I have an appt with the specialist tomorrow I will ask a million questions and will let you know what he says. Thank you again so much!
Good luck! I understand the fear but at least it can give more answers either way it goes.