Aa
Develop rapid heart rate while sleeping
This discussion is related to Develop rapid heart rate while sleeping.
I am sorry that I am glad to hear of other folks with exactly my experience. My doctor suggested that I may be suffering from sleep apenia whereby my oxygen levels are reduced to a level while I'm asleep, that triggers a systemic panic response that results in the racing heart and panic attacks that I've been having at night. I have now completed two sleep studies and have be diagnosed with severe sleep apenia. I also read more on the health effects of sleep apenia and found that it's related to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiac issues. I am starting using my CPAP machine tonight, ironically enough. I'll let you all know how it goes with my heart racing/panic attacks. Best, Liz
I am sorry that I am glad to hear of other folks with exactly my experience. My doctor suggested that I may be suffering from sleep apenia whereby my oxygen levels are reduced to a level while I'm asleep, that triggers a systemic panic response that results in the racing heart and panic attacks that I've been having at night. I have now completed two sleep studies and have be diagnosed with severe sleep apenia. I also read more on the health effects of sleep apenia and found that it's related to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiac issues. I am starting using my CPAP machine tonight, ironically enough. I'll let you all know how it goes with my heart racing/panic attacks. Best, Liz
Hello, I have had this type of problem on and off for 26 years. I cannot speak for everyone here. You all should consult professionals. But for those of you who have, I can relate: I came up negative on all the heart tests, etc...
My suggestion is to take a look at your digestive tract. You may have some issues with your upper gastro intestinal tract. I am convinced that my issues are related to this.
For example, when I have woken up with a racing heart, I have tried for many years to make a connection. Yes, there have been times of stress, but not always. But what I have found in every single case is discomfort in my digestive tract, either previously, or during these events. Also, excessive drinking or eating late has exponentially increased the chances of this type of event for me.
I do not believe it is apnea related or low blood oxygen related. Of course, everyone is a little different. But I am completely convinced through 26 years of this that it is a cascade reaction:
Something about my upper GI sends an alarm to my brain. My brain goes into a relexive panic mode, I wake up, I get an adrenaline rush and a rapid heart rate for a few minutes, I wake up more thoroughly and use the higher parts of my brain to understand that I am not in mortal danger, my body gets the signal that this was a false alarm, everything goes back to normal. In a half hour to 45 minutes, I am back to sleep.
HOWEVER, if I have upper GI issues, this process may repeat. For me, I have had to address my GI tract- Maalox, Camomille tea, sitting propped up in bed instead of lying flat etc... Then it's fine.
For many of you, this is an avenue to explore. You may have a hiatal hernia or other issues that are inflaming your upper GI. For me, when my GI tract is off, it can cause rapid heart rate after eating and waking up like described. Ask your physician to check the GI tract or go to a specialist and see what they have to say. It may help you understand the mystery or, at least, rule out or rule IN a cause and effect that is not normally drawn.
My suggestion is to take a look at your digestive tract. You may have some issues with your upper gastro intestinal tract. I am convinced that my issues are related to this.
For example, when I have woken up with a racing heart, I have tried for many years to make a connection. Yes, there have been times of stress, but not always. But what I have found in every single case is discomfort in my digestive tract, either previously, or during these events. Also, excessive drinking or eating late has exponentially increased the chances of this type of event for me.
I do not believe it is apnea related or low blood oxygen related. Of course, everyone is a little different. But I am completely convinced through 26 years of this that it is a cascade reaction:
Something about my upper GI sends an alarm to my brain. My brain goes into a relexive panic mode, I wake up, I get an adrenaline rush and a rapid heart rate for a few minutes, I wake up more thoroughly and use the higher parts of my brain to understand that I am not in mortal danger, my body gets the signal that this was a false alarm, everything goes back to normal. In a half hour to 45 minutes, I am back to sleep.
HOWEVER, if I have upper GI issues, this process may repeat. For me, I have had to address my GI tract- Maalox, Camomille tea, sitting propped up in bed instead of lying flat etc... Then it's fine.
For many of you, this is an avenue to explore. You may have a hiatal hernia or other issues that are inflaming your upper GI. For me, when my GI tract is off, it can cause rapid heart rate after eating and waking up like described. Ask your physician to check the GI tract or go to a specialist and see what they have to say. It may help you understand the mystery or, at least, rule out or rule IN a cause and effect that is not normally drawn.
Yes, I do (get horrible headaches with this.) I wake up suddenly, sometimes from a dream, with the racing heart and I imagine a high BP. I feel pressure in the front of my head, and a headache. The headache, a general achiness, and tiredness are with me the next day. And my doctor also told me it is not serious.
By background, I am 58 yrs old, post menopausal female, overweight, but otherwise healthy.
By background, I am 58 yrs old, post menopausal female, overweight, but otherwise healthy.
Did any doctor check if you have sleep apnea at all. I am 208 lbs female 5' 5 " tall and i i have mild obstructive sleep apnea (my apnea index score is 9). the more heavier you are the more severe your apnea will be. Check it out with your doctor. Also do some research on the dangers of sleep apnea so that you can act fast.
Did any doctor check if you have sleep apnea at all. I am 208 lbs female 5' 5 " tall and i i have mild obstructive sleep apnea (my apnea index score is 9). the more heavier you are the more severe your apnea will be. Check it out with your doctor. Also do some research on the dangers of sleep apnea so that you can act fast.
I do hope this forum is still open, I too experience this and the doctors can't find anything wrong with my heart or my thyroid. I'm 5 feet tall and weigh 130 pounds, I eat a vegetarian diet and exercise regularly.Because I'm a veggie, I've had myself checked for anemia and it turned out normal too. I'm jerked out of a sound sleep 3 to 4 times a week with my heart pounding!! Only I don't have elevated blood pressure when it happens. I have a blood pressure monitor and check it as I'm having these episodes. When it first started happening, I went to the ER but eventually stopped because they kept wanting to give me narcotics (Lorazepam) to control it!! I've NEVER had an anxiety attack in my life nor am I an anxious person. It doesn't make sense, and it scares the hell out of me!!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Heart Disease Community
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.
