night tachycardia

[BBG1981]

Recently I woke up suddenly with a rapid heart rate & felt short of breath. It was such a horrible experience which I had not had before, I thought my heart was going to stop it was beating that fast.
I went to hospital & had ECG which was noramal, I did have tachycardia but no arrhythmias. I have also had thyroid test which was normal. Any ideas of what caused this? Do I need any more tests?

[Cleveland Clinic]

What do you mean that is showed tachycardia but no arrhythmias? What tachycardia did it show? If it was sinus tachycardia, then it s most likely secondary to other medical issues, possibly in your lungs, but also may be related to dehydration, infection or thyroid problems. If it showed any other form of tachycardia then it may be amenable to drug treatment and/or EPS and ablation.

[heart2heart]

It could have been a form of a panic attack. I've had the same identical episodes you describe. Yes, you should first have tests to rule out heart disease, like a 24-hr Holter test. If tests do not show anything you might need something for the panic attacks like klonipin or maybe a small dose of atenolol - which is a beta blocker.

[Denysek]

A related discussion, Rapid heart beat was started.

[scoobydale]

A related discussion, To Night Tach was started.

[ibbrave]

i also have had this problem. mine come out to be sinus tachycardia. i recently had a echocardiogram and it showed that i have three leaky heart valves. mild mitral regurgitation, mild pulmonic insufficiency, and mild tricuspid. i am now taking a beta blocker two times a day, and a baby asprin. i am only 30 yrs. old with two children. so i live everyday in fear. i also have other symptoms that are totally bothersom. i hope everyone here who has problems get better. good luck to everyone!!!  ask your dr. to set you up for an echocardiogram. this may releive your mind.

[BBG1981]

Thanks for everyones help!

[bigkev414]

I have the same thing repeatedly. Worse after eating certain foods and especially heavy dinners, and laying on my side . I know that some foods have chemical residues which interfere with my nervous system and logically affect the vagus nerve which can trigger this stuff. Have had all tests but Drs don't know the cause, however on elderly GP did agree with my conclusions. Try sitting up, having a fizzy drink or antacid to make you burp. Relax to stop your panic attack. Try valium or similar.