Night time heart episodes...

[Andrew]

Doctor,

I am a 32 year old male and have experienced relatively frequent, though sporadic episodes of PACS. Mostly singles, but some runs of 3-5 seconds in duration. Multiple echos, transtelephonic monitors, stress tests and ECGs all say normal heart function though they can see the PACS. No documented PVCs to my knowledge. Multiple cardiologists say everything is okay. Despite these assurances, I have infrequent night episodes where I wake up to find my heart accelerating to a steady pulse at 110-120 BPM. Coinciding with this is a difficulty breathing which scares me. Not dizziness. Not winded, but a seeming inability to physically breathe. Almost like my diapragm isn't working. Is the act of breathing tied directly to heart function?  My doctors look at my like I'm nuts when I tell them about this? I'm afraid they've missed something - i.e. VT or something.  After walking around for a minute the symptoms subside, I can breath again and I go back to sleep - panicked but none the worse for wear. I would greatly appreciate some insight. Cheers.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

It is always possible that the doctors missed something. However, after so many tests and cardiologist evaluations, it is very unlikely that a young otherwise healthy individual has some undetected heart disorder. While you have PACs, it may that your symptoms at night are due to something else. It would be reasonable to be evaluated for panic attacks or anxiety disorders. If your primary care physician is not particularly comfortable diagnosing or treating these disorders, referral to a psychiatrist may be helpful.

[martie]

I don't know much about it, but did you ever consider a sleep disorder like sleep apnea where a person actually stops breathing for a short period of time? Maybe that would cause a racing heart.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Sleep apnea can cause slow, and sometimes fast/irregular heart beats. It is most often seen in patients that are significantly overweight. While there are many possibilities to explain Andrew's symptoms, I suggest focusing on the most likely (psychological causes).

[Jodie]

Hi Andrew,

I get this same thing.  Not very often, maybe a few times a year. I either wake up because my heart started to race, or I wake up because I feel like I can't take a breath.  It is really strange. I'm sure I'm okay because I have been checked out. I'm only 105 lbs., so I'm sure it is not due to my weight.  It has to be some type of anxiety episode.  And you are right, it is not a feeling like you have asthma or are winded.  You just aren't breathing in!!!  I don't worry about it.  I'm sure if I did, it would happen more often.  I hope you can take comfort in the fact that I have this also.  Don't be afraid of it, and it won't happen as often.  Jodie

[S. L.]

Doctors who blame everything on stress and psychological problems ARE REALLY falling out of favor with patients.

I don't especially like your tone with this poster. He just as likely has a physical problem as a mental one. In fact, it sounds a lot more physical! He mentioned NOTHING about emotional feelings.

I for one think this type of attitude has seriously held back my getting a proper diagnosis. Consequently I am still suffering. And because of these type of doctor comments, I would be hesitant to visit the Cleveland Clinic!

[g]

Although I agree it's vital to get a thorough physical workup it's easy to end up doctor-hopping if you don't get the result you hoped for.  The reality is many, many diseases/disorders have a strong psychological component so the doctor's suggestion is not unreasonable.  At the very least making sure your psychological health is 100% gives you a much better chance of success with any physical problems which may exist.  The symptoms described by Andrew sound more like a nocturnal panic attack than anything else.  You don't have to feel like an emotional wreck to suffer panic symptoms -- it's a broad ranging 'category'.



G

[FP]

I agree 100% with SL.The tests mentioned were all for the heart. There are other physical conditions that can cause the heart to race. And there are psychological things too, but to rule out anything physical so quickly seems unfair to the patient. And the posting was abrupt.

[amber]

I to suffer at night. I can't take in air and my chest tightens. My heart then starts pounding either really fast or so slow I can't even feel my pulse.I have had this for a couple years now and I'm only 18.If I sit up I have found it becomes easier to breath. Although this problem has never waken me up at night. It is very hard to sleep and takes me an average of an hour to calm down enough to sleep. I have never been to a doctor or anything, but it could be stress related. You should try a psychologist, but also get a second opinion.

[angel53545]

A related discussion, night time fast beat in heart was started.