nocturnal tachycardia

[bucky916]

i have a history of mitral valve stenosis - rheumatic fever in childhood -- no changes in EKG, echo, carotid doplers MRI,  etc - should i be concerned regarding nocturnal  tachycardia -- am on toprol twice a day, diovan, and simvastatin, premarin, metroprolol, saw cardiologist in Dec -- diovan was added because bp was slightly elevated -- just started the night tachycardia -- wakes me up and then I fall right back to sleep before I can even check my pulse rate -- should I contact him?  had had dyspnea on exertion for a few years - pains in legs when on inclines, but can walk on treadmill for 30 minutes at 3 with no problem- i am 69

[maggiemag]

This may also be a symptom of sleep apnea, esp. if you are sweating or choking when you wake up.  Ask your doctor if they think a sleep study might be appropriate.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

It is worth reporting it to your doctor.  They know your echo results and will know how to interpret the symptoms in the setting of your previous studies.  If it goes away and you are able to fall back to sleep with out getting out of bed and walking around (because of shortness of breath) it is probably not a problem.  A heart monitor will probably answer the question.