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Heart Rhythm (Expert Forum)
Rapid Pulse While Sleeping
Answered by
Michael J. McWilliams, M.D. - atrial fibrillation, Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Arrhythmias (SVT, VT), PVC/PAC, Ablation
Wilmington Health Associates
Wilmington - NC
Questions in the Heart Rhythm forum are answered by Dr. Michael J. McWilliams. Topics covered include heart rhythm issues, arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, implanted defibrillators, pacemakers, and tachycardia.
Rapid Pulse While Sleeping
by largoalan, Aug 05, 2007 05:35AM
I am 72 and in very good health. 6'-5" -- 200 lbs. Physically active... golf 2-3 times a week. One prescribed medication, Simvastatin 20 mg daily.
I wake up, briefly, 3-5 times during the night, roll over and fall back to sleep. Recently I have noticed that when I awake my pulse is very rapid, on the order of 300 or so. Not a strong pulse, more like a flutter. I usually take a deep breath, relax a little bit and it goes back to a more normal rate in the high 50's. The can repeat a couple of times during the night.
This happened about 2 years ago and I saw a Heart Specialist, did two stress tests, found a small potential blockage in the lower rear area of the heart (I think), deemed to be not serious but on the Watch list and hence the Simvastatin. We did a portable 24 hour monitor but discovered nothing.
Any ideas as to what might cause this?
I wake up, briefly, 3-5 times during the night, roll over and fall back to sleep. Recently I have noticed that when I awake my pulse is very rapid, on the order of 300 or so. Not a strong pulse, more like a flutter. I usually take a deep breath, relax a little bit and it goes back to a more normal rate in the high 50's. The can repeat a couple of times during the night.
This happened about 2 years ago and I saw a Heart Specialist, did two stress tests, found a small potential blockage in the lower rear area of the heart (I think), deemed to be not serious but on the Watch list and hence the Simvastatin. We did a portable 24 hour monitor but discovered nothing.
Any ideas as to what might cause this?
Doctor's Answer
by Michael J. McWilliams, M.D., Aug 05, 2007 07:44AM
, Aug 05, 2007 07:44AM
Hello,
It is important to see the rhythm. If it is happening frequently, a holter or event monitor will help record the rhythm. It sounds like it would relatively easy to capture. If these methods do not work to capture the initiation and termination of the event, there are mobile telemetry systems that monitor your heart rhythm much like the systems in hospitals, but from the comfort of your home. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Seeing an electrophysiologist may help you get a definite answer.
Consider cutting back on caffeine, tea, chacolate, etc. This can sometimes cause symptoms like this.
Good luck and thanks for posting.
It is important to see the rhythm. If it is happening frequently, a holter or event monitor will help record the rhythm. It sounds like it would relatively easy to capture. If these methods do not work to capture the initiation and termination of the event, there are mobile telemetry systems that monitor your heart rhythm much like the systems in hospitals, but from the comfort of your home. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Seeing an electrophysiologist may help you get a definite answer.
Consider cutting back on caffeine, tea, chacolate, etc. This can sometimes cause symptoms like this.
Good luck and thanks for posting.
I assume an electrophysiologist would be selected by my cardiologist.
Alan
Alan
I am 45 yo female. I have this problem too sometimes and attribute it to anxiety. What wre your thoughts on this?
Alan