Rapid Pulse While Sleeping

[largoalan]

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?

[largoalan]

Still not sure.  Don't think it's caffeine because I have been drinking it for a long time, and drink caffeine free soft drinks most of the time.  Don't think it is anxiety 'cuz I don't worry about much.  I'll discuss it with my Dr. next time.

Alan

[Awake and Unafraid]

Alan,
I am 45 yo female.  I have this problem too sometimes and attribute it to anxiety.  What wre your thoughts on this?

[largoalan]

Thanks, Will do.

Alan

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

believe it or not, decaf still has caffeine.  A cardiologist can help you select an EP.  Good luck.

[largoalan]

Thank you, I drink Decaf coffee, not much tea or chocolate.

I assume an electrophysiologist would be selected by my cardiologist.

Alan

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

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.